(12 Oct 2019, 8:55 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote
To clarify, the X3 would run limited stop between Regent Centre and Newcastle then limited stop from Quayside to Wallsend.
The 74 could go back to a two-hour frequency, it provides a vital service for many communities, hopefully it at least stays in existence! My Xlines logic was that it takes a similar amount of time as the X84, and it doesn't need to be frequent to be Xlines.
The X84 is nearly 20 minutes quicker. A low frequency route round the back roads of Matfen, Stamfordham and Ponteland hardly give rise to the notion of am Express route.
By using sections of dual carriageway on the A69 the X84 offsets the trip round Wylam, Ovingham and Ovington. Also, the X84 interworks with X85 so you have a half-hourly service from Newcastle.
The 74 is operated by GNE under contract to Northumberland County Council and they will decide the frequency of the service.