(24 Feb 2026, 11:04 pm)PH - BQA wrote More managed decline, nothing positive, no improvements.
The 3, from that wording, just seems to replicate the X30 but add an extra stop.
Going from social media posts the ANE commercial team spend more time out driving than they do on their day job, and you can tell.
Not sure how this constitutes managed decline, nor do I see how it's designed to replicate the X30
Perhaps I'm reading something completely different to you, but from the wording, it is clear this service is subsidised by both Northern Rail and Northumberland County Council (just like the 434) with the purpose of connecting parts of Blyth to the rail station at Bebside in an attempt to provide integrated travel in the area at peak-times.
I would say, on paper, this is a positive improvement.
(Yesterday, 12:02 am)Nerd4321 wrote I do wonder what this 3 is. As the description says "initially" does this mean its trial run or will it in the next service changes become a full service
I think you've answered your own question. It says the service will initially operate three journeys in each direction per day to connect with key commuter trains. To me, that means, if successful, Northern Rail and Northumberland County Council will likely fund additional journeys to connect with more trains throughout the day, thus becoming a "full" service.