(10 Nov 2013, 9:52 pm)aureolin wrote Concerns me that the 685 can be classed as a local bus service anyway. There's no way the councils should be reimbursing operators to allow ENCTS holders to travel for free.

Likewise - they even brand the 685 as a 'cross country' service...


Then again, if the registration is going to be split, it will only be a local bus service.

(10 Nov 2013, 10:16 pm)tyresmoke wrote To put some of the "issues" to bed...
I've since found out that it will not be numbered X85 but simply service 85, and 685 beyond Haydon Bridge.

Close enough to what I said originally then Scott! Eeesh, making me cause drama like that for no good reason!

(10 Nov 2013, 10:23 pm)Liam wrote It's not reliable today, so no change for the better?! I don't know how they would cope if Go North East's John at Hexham wasn't so nice, and didn't arrange it so they can both fit into Hexham at once, opposed to leaving one queued getting even later.

Is that the friendly old fella who always hands out timetables and stuff for Hexham services? Good man he is, I know he pushed a few people onto the X85 when it was first born - making sure he told everyone it was low floor too!
Guess during the snowy winter period, he can be on hand to make sure a Tynedalexpress is always leaving Hexham on time, utilising one of Hexham's spare vehicles which can hopefully be parked in the bus station as a backup vehicle?