But why are the 308's running 25 minutes late? Are they not getting enough time or too many passengers? They need to do something otherwise GNE's B9TL's will be jam packed to the raftas. The only reason the 309 takes longer is because GNE use the correct timings and give the 309 recovery points along the route to make up lost time if any. Perhaps Arriva should start using GNE's policy to give the services more time. GNE did it for the Toon Link and the complaints on FB about the 4 services have went down alot. The only reason they don't do it for the Angel and the Fab 56 is becuase naturally, they are routes when whatever resources are pumped into them, the difference in reliability would hardly be marginal due to traffic in Sunderland, Durham, Birtley / A1, Wrekenton, Low Fell, Gateshead and of course Newcastle.