To provide extra capacity on the 21, could GNE & Arriva not work together in partnership with Durham CC & NECA with something like this?

- X12:
* Same frequency and accepts GNE tickets. Same stopping arrangements as X21.

- X21:
* West Auckland to Durham every 30 minutes. Short journeys timed to connect with X12, and also interwork with X5/X15 meaning short journeys move to Consett.
* Durham to Newcastle every 60 minutes, coordinating with X12 every 30 minutes.

- 21:
- Resource saved from X21 used to reduce cancellations or help reinstate 7-8 minute CLS to Newcastle service.