(23 May 2026, 3:53 pm)X919 WGR wrote In 2021, I'd say GNE got it wrong with the Consett Network. The area had 7 Consett to Newcastle Routes in that year. X30, X45, X46, 47, 47A, X70, X71. Whilst the X30 to Consett had a short run from the end of 2019 to roughly 2021 I think it was, it just ended up being too much in my opinion and realistically has not improved much since with the withdrawals of some of those routes. It would be all much better if the 47 returned to being Blackhall Mill and the reintroduction of the V9. I don't understand why they thought removing the X46 was a good idea because when you look at the issues raised with the X45 either a Peak time bus is cancelled or a Single Decker shows up. You have 1 of 2 options:
- Wait for the next X45 and risk it being full
- Spend an extra 20 minutes (not guarenteed to be on time) on the 47.
Pre 2019 It was all great. Was an easy 4 Buses to get to Newcastle. X45/X46 to Metro and the X70/X71 to Gateshead.
Now it stands at 6 Routes. X45, 47, X70, X71, X32 (at certain times) & X71A (at certain times)
Probably more areas I could cover of where GNE went more wrong than right.
I wonder how GNE would've reacted to Derwentside, if WrightBus was stable and they didn't make the E400MMC order for the X1 (which got swapped with the X1 getting the heavily delayed StreetDecks and Consett getting E400MMC).
GNE only got lucky being able to make the changes they did in Derwentside due to the coincidence of the original X1 low height E400MMC order.....and the subsequent X30/X31/X70/X71/X72 shambles in Sept 2021!
On another note, the X10 and X21 have been neglected by GNE especially the latter.
Other than the E400MMC on the X10 which are fine WITH suitable spare backups.....the rest of the vehicles allocated have been absolute basket cases with tinpot engines that should be nowhere near long distance work!
At the time.....the 56 & 309/310 should've benefited from StreetDecks in 2019 with the 'then' relatively new B9TLs refurbished and allocated on the Durham & Derwentside services.