(08 Sep 2015, 12:24 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Who knows?
Perhaps it's down to the fact the Explorer tickets are valid outside of Tyne and Wear thus operators are entitled to a greater share of the pot?
Traditionally, only the stretch of track between Newcastle and Sunderland feel under the partial remit of Tyne and Wear PTE. It wasn't until fairly recently that Blaydon, Metrocentre and Dunston became part of the network.
Hopefully someone knows!
However, it does open up another question I have often pondered, with regard to why the Newcastle - Sunderland line fell under the PTE remit and the Blaydon - Newcastle stretch didn't.