(18 May 2014, 12:58 pm)AdamY wrote I only wish Explorers were valid on all rail-services in the region just as their equivalents tickets are in Liverpool and Manchester

Because there is no Transport PTE like there is in Manchester and Greater Manchester. There's Nexus and that's your lot; it is then up to the councils. Arriva's 685 is purely for profit - it is in no way subsidised.

(18 May 2014, 4:03 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Perhaps Introducing more Bus Services to/from these Areas on a Limited Stopping Basis could be the Answer

I don't think Arriva can cut the route back any more, they've done enough as it is! From Brampton to Hexham and Corbridge to Horsley, it is an express service. I personally think they should cut out Horsley to Lemington Road Ends - they already have a decent bus service as it is! (SNE X82 to Throckley as well as GNE X84). You're potentially cutting 20-30 minutes (if not more) which would definitely make it more attractive to passengers.

(18 May 2014, 4:03 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote I sure am most people along the Route at Hayden Bridge etc Rely on this Service as it is the only Service they have,

It certainly is. Haydon Bridge residents were the main ones to kick up a fuss after the previous 685 cuttings! Bearing in mind that my 4-5 buses a day direct to Newcastle through my village is now just one (SNW 685 at 18:40).
A dozen or so houses have been put up for sale after these cuts in a nearby village - most of the elderly, who rely on the buses (the main road is 1.5 miles away and along really dangerous roads to walk on - this isn't even near to an official bus stop! If you're going to the proper bus stop, you're adding an extra mile or so. No paths either!


Newcastle to Sunderland is the only bit of railway in the region that is subsidised by Nexus - which means you can use Explorer tickets on it (as well as Metro tickets in the correct zone(s))