It would presumably be a lot harder to discipline for 'toading' on a more frequent service though.

Let's say a driver on the X45 left Consett and intentionally got to Rowlands Gill 15 minute late meaning that the following 47 would have to pick up the slack and allow the X45 to get regulated, then it's clear and obvious (if pattern is repeated on numerous occasions by same driver) that the driver is deliberately toading to get regulated.

But on a more frequent service, it's a lot harder as the margins are far tighter.

If it's an ongoing case though.....maybe GNE would be better doing reliefs on the 21 at Eldon Square with drivers ferried in from Riverside on the MetroCentre routes? Therefore, it would be in their best interests to keep to time where safe to do so.