(08 Sep 2023, 11:48 am)deanmachine wrote Although you need to remember it's not quite equivalent to the full explorer as it doesn't include the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire coast, or (I think) the 685 to Carlisle. I think the full explorer will still exist after this.
Agreed, but I'd say for the vast majority using these tickets, the coverage is completely fine. The Explorer is still available for those who want to travel further.
In terms of the 685, I think it'd be up to Stagecoach commercial whether or not they're accepting the ticket for the full length of the journey. On paper, it's only valid as far as Greenhead.
(08 Sep 2023, 12:32 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Exactly, I wouldn't be able to use it to travel to Darlington, despite it being much closer and more convenient than Newcastle.
Wouldn't it also mean people living in Newton Aycliffe would have the same problem as they had during the illness restrictions as part is in Durham and the other Darlington
It doesn't replace other ticket offerings though, e.g. the Darlington District ticket for £7.20 from Arriva is still available for Newton Aycliffe to Darlington, or the 1 Routesaver for £5.90 between Bishop Auckland and Darlington.
I get what you're saying, but the boundary can't really be redrawn for these Transport North East tickets, as the funding has been allocated to the LA7 area, which doesn't include the Tees Valley. They have their own Mayoral Combined Authority.