Could BSIP see the return of 'joint' operated services for certain routes?

If Arriva & GNE decided to work together, they could put both the 308 & 309 under one banner............CoastCityLinks

- Both operated by electric vehicles to the exact same specification.

- Both interworking with each other to improve efficiencies.

- Single fare structure with single & return prices the same. Ability to sell each other's tickets but tickets branded 'CoastCityLinks' rather than Arriva or Go North East to reduce confusion. QR code technology available to differentiate as well as description of tickets.

- GNE pick up the very early morning journeys starting from Whitley Bay, New York or Billy Mill to Newcastle as well as the early morning journeys towards the Coast. Likewise, Arriva pick up the early & late journeys to and from Blyth to reduce dead mileage.

- Up to every 10 mins combined Mon-Sat. Every 30 mins combined evenings, every 15 mins combined Sundays.

Evening departures from Newcastle would be:
- xx:07 - 309 (last bus 23:07)
- xx:37 - 308 (last bus 23:37)