(19 Sep 2013, 9:23 pm)Andreos1 wrote You have hit the nail on the head and it is something I have mentioned previously.
The only place there isn't competition from the metro with the x3 is Boldon.
Which is also where the x34 and x36 pick up/drop off passengers...
GNE even said as much in the feedback they gave following the consultation
One of reasons why the X3 was retained was because the East Boldon Residents Association and Councillors representing the area kicked up a fuss. I don't know how well the service is used between Boldon and Newcastle (or Gateshead) but presumably it was enough to make GNE cave to political pressure. So why not curtail the service at East Boldon and scupper the Sunderland link as that part of the route is already duplicated by the 9?
I agree with Busman101 about the insanity of diverting the X84/5 via Metrocentre. It would add too much time onto the route and defeat its purpose.