(08 Mar 2022, 7:10 pm)Dan wrote I think the frequency reduction would have had a larger impact than the merger of the two routes causing an increase in journey time. Anecdotally from using the service and seeing photos online, the X10 now seems to carry good loads. Arguably it's better to have one busy bus than two half empty buses, and it'll be interesting to see how Go North East responds to further growth.
I've used the X10 on a number of occasions recently (for leisure) and to be honest it really didn't feel too dissimilar in time to what it was previously. Like the example yesterday with the X20 posing as a faster alternative to the 20, it's all perception. That's not to say my perception isn't different to another customer's perception, of course!
I've noticed the X10 full at peak times (but it always was, along with the X9!), however I've passed many on the A19 during the day near-empty.