(16 Jun 2018, 12:25 pm)JM03 wrote Ticket prices would have to drop to compete with the GNE 21/X21.There should be no need to reduce ticket prices as Arriva prices are lower than GNE 21/X21. Example GNE Durham - Newcastle return £6.50 while Arriva offer unlimited travel between Durham and Newcastle with an X12 route saver for only £5. GNE Chester le Street to Newcastle single £3.60 while Arriva charge £3.10.
Prices are similar on the Durham to Bishop Auckland section with a GNE Auckland Castle ticket at £5.20 compared to a Sapphire 6 ticket at £5.00.
If Arriva were to increase the service frequency as proposed in the above service suggestion they could justify a small fare increase.