(15 Feb 2024, 10:51 am)RobinHood wrote Likely more about using the tools you have in the most balanced way.
The X93 is equally as demanding, and arguably more profitable. Probably justified the moves just on that point alone.
Companies house can evidence that Durham County is significantly more profitable than Northumbria. However, Ashington get new buses more regularly, simply because of the mileage, not necessarily their financial performance.
It's very hard to compare the two based on areas alone. Arriva Stockton and Darlington, in particular, have some very strong routes which are goldmines, not to mention stuff like the 63 or the complete mess that was Jesmond during this period - which is now gone.
The fact there has been no frequency reductions at Ashington and Redcar has been butchered to bits post Covid, personally, would suggest the opposite, including forcing the X93 into the 5 timings suggests those routes aren't as strong as some suggest. The X93 at this time of year carts around fresh air most the time whereas the X14 and X15 on the non subsidised areas (guaranteed profit) are decent loads all year round.
Not to mention I'd argue the X21/X22 are some of the strongest routes in the whole North East.