Sorry about the confusion - Dan is correct, the previous service was 684.
In my mind as I used it between Hexham and Corbridge, it was the same as the replacement 687.
Yes, the Arriva 685 'coaches' were difficult for the elderly to access and, towards the end, were becoming unreliable (frequent overheating - possibly due to belt failures) and, even tyre tread failures (due, no doubt, to running underinflated on a twin). Even though I was an occasional user rather than a regular commuter I, nevertheless, had my share of breakdowns - not to mention numerous significant late runnings (typically 20 minutes).
On one occasion the MPD 684 picked up the 685 passengers from Corbridge (I had been on the 685 which 'terminated' at Corbridge Angel with a tyre blowout) and went on to pick up passengers until it became full (really full - there wasn't any room for any more standees) at Heddon and ran through to Eldon Square without being able to pick up any more passengers. I couldn't count the standees, but, believe me, there wasn't any room for more (there were people standing alongside the driver and in the door-opening space!).
The arrival of the GNE Tynedale Express services has certainly improved the availability for the traveller - up to three options per hour (four as far as Corbidge) means that there are alternatives if the 685 doesn't show up.
The GNE services run 'behind' the (scheduled) 685s but offer a back-up (and an alternative).
RE: Go North East - Latest