(02 Aug 2014, 8:17 am)G-CPTN wrote The problem with the 685 for GNE would be running beyond Hexham with no support (which, to be fair is also a problem for Arriva).
In some ways it would be easier for GNE having a depot at Hexham, but they would need space for the extra vehicles (though maybe they would reduce the frequency from 3 per hour between Hexham and Newcastle - including X84/X85 - back to two per hour with one per hour running to/from Carlisle) - ie just run the '685' between Hexham and Carlisle.
More likely that Stagecoach would operate 685 (only between Carlisle and Hexham)?
There is also the lack of connections within Carlisle.
Not an issue when singles are attractive, but when the entire network is built around day tickets, a passenger from the suburbs of Carlisle could end up with two day tickets for a trip to the bright lights of Tyneside.
Ditto, a visitor from Tyneside, heading west.