(23 Dec 2021, 8:06 pm)Storx wrote Something says that the X84/X85 isn't all purely numbers based and is to do with the Bus Partnership. At the end of the day it was about removing duplication and buses doing the same route and the 685/X85 done exactly that, they even had the same number for Arriva's old express one per day journey.
If one bus had to continue along there it was always going to be the 685. The number to 684 and 'timing with other operators' suggests it's more than outright scrapping. Maybe we might see GNE tickets accepted on the 685 and Arriva/Stagecoach tickets on the 684. It would be a better service for everyone. The 685 sticks out like a sore thumb anyway so it's not like GNE are giving money away to Arriva / Stagecoach in the Hexham area.
There's other corridors where that could work aswell.
X12/X21 and 306/308/309/310/311 being the two most noticeable.
I'd also add the X21/6 as well. If GNE either cant be arsed, or can't afford to run the X21 to West Auckland on evenings or Sundays, at least work with Arriva to allow passengers to use either service.
It was honestly so handy being able to use either back when there was mutual ticket acceptance on common routes!