(Yesterday, 9:30 am)MurdnunoC wrote 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.
The managed decline point was in reference to the full set of service changes - nothing of any substance, no improvements, and cutting a not insignificant section of the 306 route.
The 3, as confirmed by Superman, is just running dead mileage in service.
Bar the small positive of the 3 these are another set of neutral at best service changes.