(04 Jan 2020, 10:20 pm)BusLoverMum wrote It's doable, but when sober and having to make that journey 5 mornings and 5 afternoons a week, perhaps with heavy bags, perhaps not at your youngest or fittest (I used to barrel down the stairs in Gateshead Interchange but I hobble down them, these days and still can't do the down escalators there because they go too fast and do weird things to my eyes) it's blooming tedious, though.
To be honest, it was more do-able when there were direct services between home and Newcastle.
Relying on an X1 during rush hour (with or without bags) is a gamble and can be very tedious.
Interesting you mention the bags.
Having 2 changes or 3 isn't so much the issue when lugging about bags.
The luggage space (or lack of), influences my decision to drive in/out over the bus.