Just a little price comparison table I've knocked up.
I understand the point that is being made about the inconvenience of changing onto a less frequent bus at Durham. However, if connections were good and the bus was reliable (in the sense it wasn't held up), then I might be convinced to switch if I was travelling this route everyday and currently buying a 28-Day Buzzfare from GNE. There are some good savings to be made by doing so.
EDIT: Re-sized table.
RE: Arriva North East