(23 Jul 2022, 12:24 am)streetdeckfan wrote Probably wouldn't be a bad shout, passenger numbers on the West Auckland extension have increased quite a bit over the last while. Not too long ago I wouldn't have been surprised if they scrapped it altogether since I was quite often the first to get on, and last to get off. Now it seems to have a decent loading of passengers just doing the West-Bishop section.
The main advantage of taking the Arriva 6 is there are more local connections, it only really makes sense to get a GNE ticket if you're travelling north of Durham. The trouble is, unless it's a supported route, I can't see GNE really expanding operations down here. Even on the main links between towns (Crook, Newton Aycliffe, Darlington etc.), I just don't see there being enough passengers to support another operator running services.
But arguably more local than GCT!
If I remember correctly, one of Go-Ahead's strategies is to acquire new contracts. If they bid and won the Durham P&R and a multitude of the other DCC contracts there may even be scope for an outstation somewhere to house a fleet of Solo's. Whether they would be able to bid lower than the likes of Weardale, Jim Hughes and GCT is another thing, particularly the latter two who are seemingly moving towards County Durham after all their contract losses in Tyne and Wear