(11 Dec 2020, 8:37 pm)DH9 wrote I hope the X30 extension to Consett is kept (or replaced by the X31).  I'm starting a new job in January and the X30 extension is important to my commute.

I would also like an earlier X30 Consett to Newcastle journey, half an hour to that currently.

Let's be honest, the X30 extension hasn't had a chance to prove itself with the COVID-19 epidemic.

Well thankfully there doesn't seem to be any changes to the X30 & X31 according to VOSA although the interworking patterns might change with the X30/X70/X71.

I still stand by my word tough about surplus B9TL from the Cobalts & CityRider/Fab56 getting refurbished and sent to Consett. Most logically, the X31 would be the best fit for the following reasons:

- Mon-Sat daytime only service
- E400MMC on X45/X46/X47 (6338-40) would make sense for fuel costs and allocation flexibility where BSOG & antisocial times (evenings etc) are concerned.
- All of the Consett & Stanley XLines services with the exception of East Stanley covered by bike racks. Although option wouldn't be there from Gateshead to Stanley.

Plus 6338-40 aren't being retrofitted with bike racks. PVR of X30/X70/X71 will be 9x meaning 2x spare at Consett (covering bike guarantee) plus 1x B9TL for other routes. If the X31 got extended in lieu of the X30 in the future, that would mean 4x B9TLs being used so 3x MMCs spare with bike racks.

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(11 Dec 2020, 10:51 pm)L469 YVK wrote Well thankfully there doesn't seem to be any changes to the X30 & X31 according to VOSA although the interworking patterns might change with the X30/X70/X71.

I still stand by my word though about surplus B9TL from the Cobalts & CityRider/Fab56 getting refurbished (if not to XLines standard) and sent to Consett. Most logically, the X31 would be the best fit for the following reasons:

- Mon-Sat daytime only service
- E400MMC on X45/X46/X47 (6338-40) would make sense for fuel costs and allocation flexibility where BSOG & antisocial times (evenings etc) are concerned.
- All of the Consett & Stanley XLines services with the exception of East Stanley covered by bike racks. Although option wouldn't be there from Gateshead to Stanley.

Plus 6338-40 aren't being retrofitted with bike racks. PVR of X30/X70/X71 will be 9x meaning 2x spare at Consett (covering bike guarantee) plus 1x B9TL for other routes. If the X31 got extended in lieu of the X30 in the future, that would mean 4x B9TLs being used so 3x MMCs spare with bike racks.