(19 May 2021, 6:58 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote Arriva have always in the past (apart from 2020) done major timetable changes in the September when kids go back to school then do it in MarchAs you point out, this September change has taken place in the past, apart from the COVID-affected 2020. So it wouldn't be too unreasonable for the changes to occur earlier this year in-line with the complete easing of lockdown in the COVID-affected 2021. However as has been said, it's probably noteworthy that changes haven't been made in the May easing of lockdown, so like you say perhaps we will be returning to the traditional September-time changes.
(19 May 2021, 10:42 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I think, if they wanted to, GNE could also use this as an opportunity to start to intrude on Arriva's territory. They were clearly already planning on doing it to some extent with the 21 extension to Brandon.
Passenger numbers on the X21 from Bishop to West seem to be getting stronger (and from my experience are way better than they were pre-covid), and it doesn't seem to just be concessionary travellers either
It certainly would be interesting to see GNE attempt to strengthen their position in Durham. I definitely think increasing the frequency to Bishop Auckland with the 6 now reduced to every 15 minutes could be a good move. While I think the East Durham 22-24 group and Coxhoe 56-58/X12 group would be hard to compete with (and Darlington and the 7 would be quite a challenge), the 43/48/49/X46 could easily be competed against. A nice comparatively newer GNE bus versus an ageing ALX400 or Optare Solo - there would definitely be some appeal there. There's also potential for competition with the 64 now GNE have an increased presence in the Arnison Centre.