After over a month and a bit the 960 finally made it to Marsden & Horsley Hill, although still never reached South Shields. So much for it doesn't go there...

The only good thing with franchising is it should hopefully keep the likes of L&G away from this type of service work, when they can't even fulfil this particular contract to half of it's standard most days.

https://bustimes.org/journeys/940907324