(03 Jan 2014, 9:54 pm)andreos1 wrote The 35 picks up quite a few passes due to the route it takes via Estates and on a nice day, who wouldn't head to Shields for a fish n chips pensioners special?
It sticks solely in the red zone and attracts additional low fares via the Sunderland City zone (or whatever it is called).
The 20 goes on a much more direct route, omitting any Estates (bar Hall Lane) and passengers incur extra charges with it going into Co Durham/green zone.
Two very different services, serving different markets.
I do think the competition aspect has played a part in decision making.
Perhaps it is the lower fares which attract custom to the Laser, compared to the Prince Bishops which has higher fares?
While competition may have been a factor considered, I do not think it would have ultimate decider - profit levels would have been. I guess we, as enthusiasts, won't ever know though - we will have to settle for questioning the decision instead.