(3 hours ago)Chris 1 wrote No idea how much the fair was pre-cap, but if it's a material difference I'd be inclined to get a single to Peterlee and then a £2.50 single Peterlee-Newcastle.
Or GNE could set their fare at the same price, save time with passengers doing it themselves.
Unless it's only 50p then it's going to be cheaper to pay the £3. Remember there's the £3 national cap aswell.