Current:
X30/X31/X32/X70/X71/X73 - 12x
6 - 6x
47/X45 - 12x (from July 2025)
TOTAL = 30x
Potential (based on historical routes):
45/46/47 - 14x - 47 to Blackhall Mill only
V9 - 1x
43/44 (or similar) - 10x - to Stanley only!
X30/X31/X70/X71 - 10x* - all hourly (15/30 on common sections) and via Gateshead
X97 - Newcastle > Whickham Loop - 2x
TOTAL = 37x
** Note this would involve the X30/X31 restored to Lanchester, which could be justified using BSIP. So effectively, GNE would only be increasing PVR by 5x fully commercially.
For the sake of no more than 7x vehicles, GNE could offer a way better service. In fact, maybe only one of the 43/44 would only need to go to Newcastle, again saving another bus or 2x. Poss some way of withdrawing the 643 too and integrating that as part of the 43/44 (MetroCentre) and X97 (Whickham loop).