(24 Nov 2020, 3:45 pm)Andreos1 wrote Appreciate we are going off the topic highlighted in the thread title, but that's down to GNE. They could offer those services on a commercial basis (using the enhanced BSOG to help them. If they really need it) . They've done that in the past when GCT won some work (I think it was the 97). It didn't suit the powers that be, that work which had been subsidised for years was then contracted to GCT.
In a sudden about turn, GNE decided the service was viable and didn't need a subsidy of any sort.

Similar behavior has seen the 79, 238 and another service (can't remember the number - 493 perhaps?) which operated between Waterview Park and Houghton switch back and forth. It suited them to run the Penshaw to Houghton section under commercial auspises, then it didn't. Then it did. Then it didn't. 
As a result, passengers are left in a situation where GNE tickets aren't available on the JH daytime service which replaced the recently axed 238 - but can use them on the GNE operated 79a service which runs a handful of times on an evening.
It's a mess.