(16 Jul 2014, 12:38 pm)Dan wrote Of the two, I do think that "Tynedalexpress" service X84 is still the better performer, but that is mainly down to the lack of competition on the route. In addition, it was not a new service - simply re-numbered - and its market was already established. "Tynedalexpress" service X85 has obviously had a more difficult time, what with competition from service 685. Customers have left service 685 in favour of Go North East's X85; whether that's down to the reliability (or lack thereof) of service 685 or the lack of customer perks such as free Wi-Fi, I do not know.I personally think GNE should swap round the X84 and X85 to opposite ends of the clock. Whenever I'm on a day trip to Newcastle/North East, my 685 arrives into Hexham at xx:22. An X85 then leaves at xx:05, perfect - it doesn't serve Throckley or Walbottle etc. (Something that absolutely infuriates me on 685, especially when they have a frequent service as it is!!). However, you've got to wait 45 minutes for this privilage; the 685 would be in Newcastle for then.
I do think that both services have proven themselves worthy of an upgrade, when the time is right. I don't think it'll happen this year, but should any Mercedes Citaro vehicles become available next year, I think we can put money on five being earmarked for this purpose.
The alternative is to wait for the xx:48 X84 over, which goes around the houses. For direct Hexham to Newcastle passengers (granted there are people who live out Ovingham/Ovington/Wylam way, but as I see it, the Tynedalexpress is mostly focussed on 685 competition), this is slower than 685 and more sodding annoying!!
If they could time it so an X85 leaves Hexham around 10-15 minutes after the 685 is due in, I could see it having and winning a lot more competition.
Pretty much, the same happens the other way - 685s leave Eldon Square at xx:45 with an X84 at xx:40. If the xx:40 was an X85, a small break could be had in Hexham with you missing out Throckley etc. Additionally, you wouldn't have to battle your way onto the bus amongst crowds who travel only to Throckley (grrrr). You have to get the xx:10 which missed the 685 at Hexham by approximately 15-20 minutes.
More folk use Tynedalexpress due to the cheaper day and weekly tickets than Arriva - this is what all Jesmond 685 drivers that I've spoken to say.
An upgrade would be smashing, I'm not too sure how long the Scanias will last for, doing full speed on the X85 on the A69...
The sooner GNE pick up the 685/85 from Arriva and Stagecoach and create a fully integrated system, with no unfair (to the customer) competition and cutbacks, the better IMO. There is great scope for it to be a success under the right ownership!
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