(22 Jul 2014, 8:19 pm)Tom wrote I can't believe how popular the X7 has been actually!The scope has always been there for an express service between Sunderland and Middlesbrough, with the right marketing and ticketing options available.
As I originally suggested the Sunderland - Middlesbrough express service to Go North East, leading to the formation of the X7, I'm always going to boast about how well it is actually performing (and you lot will never hear the end of it). I know a number of GNE employees have referred to the service as my 'baby', as I'm always monitoring the passenger numbers and asking how well the service is doing.
Go North East have plenty of connections in Sunderland, Seaham and Peterlee to assist the service - Arriva didn't have that with their 31A service which ran a similar route.
Whilst the single fares are more expensive than Arriva's on the 21A, the X7 still seems to be carrying more passengers - so they're doing something right..!
Next step: Retro-fit the Mercs with Wi-Fi? Yes please - watch this space...