(18 Jul 2026, 10:49 am)Busadvocate wrote If we can find the time to read the documents, it's actually clear what is proposed for X10 and other similar services.
In the Franchising Scheme Assessment/Commercial case, pages 388 to 392 show maps of the services in the proposed sequence of depot packages and small contracts. Although the services are not actually listed, it is clear from the routes what is intended. (It seems odd there is not an Appendix listing the services - or is it just I have not found it?)
X10 is in the first round of depot contracts, in Package A (Riverside).
Arriva's services into Tees Valley come in the second round, mostly as separate smaller contracts, but 23/24, X12 and X22 are included in Package C (Belmont and Consett).
Comment: It is most unlikely that Permits would be granted for any additional services running into the franchised area on these corridors, so it is hard to see any realistic scope for such services. Obviously, there are potential issues for how the franchised services fit with and affect local services in Darlington etc, but that does not seem insuperable.
It's important to read this with section 5.4 of the Commercial Case (pg.364 onwards). They might be provisionally part of the packages, but from what I read, it's not 100% decided what will happen with regard to any cross-boundary service yet.