(13 Jan 2020, 12:36 am)streetdeckfan wrote It was the 42 that I got there! I regularly spend the full 2 hours that it takes for the X21 to get to Newcastle from Tindale, so 72 minutes for me is a quick journey! I know on several occasions I've spent 6 hours, mostly because I get to Newcastle, realise I've forgot something then have to come back down, then go back up!
To preface this, yes I am mad!
I used to live in Gateshead so was very much in GNE territory. We moved to Crook, which while having the GNE 'depot' only had two services a day in each direction and I didn't really have much choice in the matter. I decided that I hated living there so moved back to Gateshead to live with my grandparents. Then I decided that I preferred County Durham to T&W so I moved to Bishop because of the X21 (and 18). If there's one thing I like more than having a GNE service, it's moving house!
It doesn't make financial sense for me to drive, I currently pay £95 a month for my All Zone pass, that would barely cover the cost of the insurance, never mind the cost of a car, fuel, tax etc. Especially when I regularly travel between Bishop and Newcastle
I do occasionally travel Arriva, only when I have to. For example, because the X21 only extends to Tindale until 5pm, in an evening I'll pay the £1.40 to Arriva just so I don't have to walk the 2 miles (if there's one thing I hate more than Arriva, it's exercise!), same with Sundays, I'll pay the £1.40 for the 6, then get straight on an X21 to Durham
Thought it must have been the 42! We should travel around together, not many people are daft enough (no offence to anybody!) to spend that much time sat on a bus! Forgetting things is not a good idea when you travel around like you do! Sometimes I forget things when using only GNE, which involves walking to find such a bus, and just have to deal with it!
I thought you were mad!
You move house too much!
I really want to live in GNE territory, but I am happy with the services I have I suppose. I still live with my parents.
Fair enough if driving is not financial sense for you. I could never travel Arriva unless it was free!
As the X84/X85 doesn't run on Sundays, I have to choose between the 33A or Q3 from/to Gosforth or the 42A from/to Kingston Park. Gosforth is less time on the bus and longer walk, Kingston Park is longer bus ride and shorter walk! Still prefer it to Stagecoach either way!