(10 Jul 2014, 9:21 pm)Dan wrote I can't actually remember what the reasoning was - I don't think it was to do with the competition by GNE at all though - but I do remember being told a few months back that Stagecoach were quite interested in operating the service alone without ANE. I also remember being told that their main interest was between Carlisle and Hexham, with the Hexham to Newcastle stretch being far less popular.
I was told to keep quiet about it at the time, but I'll dig through my messages to find more specific details and see if I can add more...
I doubt anything will come of it soon though, given the investment from Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancs of two vehicles into the full 685s and one into the short 685s. I guess we'll be waiting until at least next year - and that's if Arriva were willing to hand over their share of the 685 (at a price?)
In my opinion SIC operate a much better service than Arriva. I'd like to see Stagecoach take over the whole service, and I'd imagine that some would be operated by Walkergate if that was the case.