(08 Sep 2023, 12:41 pm)Adrian wrote 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.
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.
As we've discussed before, drawing lines on a map always means someone is going to miss out.