(28 May 2020, 5:39 pm)Andreos1 wrote I agree that this will be a factor - the fleet size is getting smaller and smaller.
However if Durham Road wasn't a factor, they could have diverted the Q1/Q2 off Easedale Gardens as an example and removed the Harlow Green - Durham Road link. 

Whilst there are some positives around the 21 serving the Arnison Centre, I can see it resulting in reliability issues - with a subsequent knock on effect along the Durham Road. What better than to offer an alternative in the form of the 25? Slightly longer journey, but still serves key parts of the 21 route.

I can imagine it's more about the Wrekenton to Low Fell link if you redirected the Q1/Q2 your losing that link and I could imagine that's more popular than Birtley to the QE. You could argue that's there's too many buses down Sheriff Hill aswell; 28, 56, 57 (Partly), X1. Even known it's a big loss for those using the link.

Redirecting the 25 to Arnison makes it way too long for Langley Park and Sacriston for going to Newcastle which is main purpose of the route. Both those communities already have the X20 for that link but is there much demand to Arnison North of Chester-Le-Street, I'm not too sure.