(28 Nov 2013, 8:04 am)Greg in Weardale wrote Pensioners don't get trains free (one third off with railcard) and train fare Newcastle - Haydon Bridge is £10 off peak day return and Newcastle - Carlisle £16.90, both more expensive before 9.30am. I don't know the bus fares, but the most would be £9.30 North East Explorer (and the North West version is valid as well) which give unlimited travel at one end of the 685 route as well.
Why should they get free travel on the 685?
It's a cross country service, linking together two big cities at a journey time of two hours - when this is achieved by the more reliable train at a quicker journey time?
I'm sure some form of 'special rate' could be implemented if the 685 was to cease to exist anyway.