(02 Jun 2025, 5:15 pm)DH9 wrote I believe that is a subtle way of saying leave well alone.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

The 43 is basically the 6.   The 44 and 44A had you aged and retired before you got to your destination.

Derwentside isn't a hard area to make money if passengers get a clean, simple, easy to use and where possible frequent service (at least every 30 minutes).

I've mentioned it in the suggestions, but the X45/47 PVR won't be far off what the PVR was of the 45/46/47 & V9.

If GNE scrapped the XLines / RKR nonsense and just the 45/46/47 either as they were or maybe the 45/46 every 20 minutes and the 47 every 20 minutes, there could be future opportunities for growth including electrification.

That's just one example.

Covid has been and gone. The Metrocentre although not what it was, is still ticking over. DWP are soon to move in on Pilgrim Street. BSIP is there to fund some quirky services.....something like the old 709/729 offering a few useful links.

GNE need to stop playing it safe and go a bit more radical in Derwentside (but sensible). Stop p****** the youth (students and young workers) off with unreliable services. There's still an issue with driving test lists not forgetting the costs of lessons and general motoring. Get out there and capitalise. No quirky MG gimmicks (other than any meaningful branding with a purpose such as Red Kite or Durham-Tyne Diamond) just clean, simple, reliable and easy to use services and GNE could be onto something.