(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)?
Go North East would face the same problems as Arriva North East does at the moment too, you're right.
The difference would be the fact that they have a depot in Hexham. I'm not sure how many more vehicles Hexham can facilitate, but I have no doubt that work (such as the TENs) could be moved to Riverside, with the 685 moving to Hexham quite easily.
I'd imagine they'd split it too - Newcastle to Hexham being one stretch, then allowing any through passengers to get on the Hexham to Carlisle bus. Hopefully there'd be a 10 minute connection or something to either the X84 or X85, so wouldn't end up being too bad.
(02 Aug 2014, 8:28 am)Andreos Constantopolous wrote 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.
The singles on service 685 (at present) aren't particularly attractive either, and ANE doesn't have any connections within Carlisle.