(9 hours ago)Shrek wrote I agree with that. They need to be vigilant about how the train line might change travel patterns, but at the moment it seems to be a fairly solid network.
It might well do, but Arriva do have strong catchment areas especially around Cramlington so although something like the X9 might take a hit on the Northernly part of the route, Cramlington & Beacon Hill will prop it up especially with the new houses.
Only things I can see happen longer term is something done with the Blyth > Cramlington section of the X8, and maybe the X21/X22 going half-hourly. But can't see any wholesale changes other than some refinements / tweaks as Northumbria is a pretty strong network.
Also, this could pose a problem with single deckers although the 1&2 are single deck so maybe not. But if GNE ever spit their dumny out and go to the begging bowl over the 35x services - Arriva could make a good go of the 353 half-hourly extended to Morpeth instead of the 43, and running via High Pit & NSECH as opposed to Dudley Lane.