Just to add some thoughts on a few points raised.
The x3 is a strange service.
It was doomed to fail from the beginning - seeing as every other Newcastle - Sunderland bus along Newcastle Road had failed both before and after the Metro was extended.
Not sure passenger habit had changed too much to warrant the service.
Now, it seems to carry less than ever and misses out Sunderland City Centre (which we have all discussed to death).
Surely it would be more cost effective, to cancel it completely, or adapt it slightly - serving Southwick and running up to Fullwell Mill towards Newcastle and the same in reverse. Or if missing the City Centre, working some sort of loop via Fulwell, Roker, Monkwearmouth, Southwick, Fullwell Mill.
The fare structure on the ad122 is disappointing.
Anyone needing to use it from beyond Hexham (Tyneside, Wearside, Durham etc) will incur additional charges just to get to Hexham.
A family ticket, will essentially double the cost of a family buzzfare - meaning for those with a car, it could be cheaper driving up to Housteads etc, rather than sit on 2-3 buses just to get to Hexham, hoik about a picnic all day and pay £25 for the privilege.
RE: Go North East - Latest
'Illegitimis non carborundum'