If Arriva kept something in Newcastle going on a permanent basis, it would make sense keeping the 47 and 51/52/53/54/55

But logistically, why would they want the hassle of keeping them out of Blyth & Ashington? When they can have a simplifed fleet consisting 3x decker types & StreetLites and immediately sort driver shortage issues out.

Looking at all the additional resources needed for the sake of a few break even or just above break even routes, it all adds up. Not forgetting that the Pulsars released will come in handy for other areas too including Durham & Tees.

If anything, the only reason Arriva have perhaps held on as if they dropped the routes in question before the Jesmond closedown, it would leave Nexus completely in trouble having to plug the gap. But knowing what resources will be available going forward (drop them and driver numbers will be correct for Blyth & Ashington), at least a controlled wind-down and the opportunity for Nexus to put a proper tender together would be the right approach.