I've only had one negative run-in with GNE. Way back when they had the Marshal Darts on the drifter and there was a 62(?) route Seaham - Easington Lane -Peterlee.

I was unfamiliar with Easington Lane where there are two bus stops a few yards apart, though one was for setting down only. As my service, the final bus to Peterlee of the day, appeared the driver acknowledged me with a shake of the head and wag of the finger and sailed past before I realised I had picked the wrong stop.

What sort of horrible vindictive person do you have to be to decide to leave a 14 year old by the side of the road when they've clearly made a simple mistake?

In the other hand i was once a regular on the 8pm southbound X10 from Newcastle and became friendly with the regular driver, Trish. She was always exemplary with her customers and I even once nominated her for driver of the year. She won and I got a free buzzfare!