(14 Jun 2022, 8:55 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Of the big three, GNE is definitely my 'favourite', but if anything that makes me more critical of them. They're my 'favourite' mainly because they go to the places I want to go, they have the nicer fleet (in the places that I want to travel, at least), and are the cheaper option.
I live in what is primarily Arriva land, and do use them somewhat regularly, and I generally have no issues with them. They turn up when they're supposed to, and actually tell me if the service is delayed or cancelled, unlike GNE who just leave me wondering if they're going to turn around at Bishop or not if they're running the slightest bit late.
To be honest they're all just the same to me, don't particularly like any of the 3 really. They all have massive flaws and tbh none of them really have anything to shout home about. Prefer the Metro just the shame it's a 50 minute walk or arm and a leg with the 57/57A to West Monkseaton believe it's £4.10 or something stupid for a return now or the 19 which doesn't run late enough and even then it's £3.60 return I believe. (It's about 3 mile to the Metro at Shiremoor (nearest stop)) and there's no joined ticketing because of the boundary tax.
Can't wait for the Blyth and Tyne railway to turn up so I rarely have to use a bus again ngl.