(05 Jan 2015, 1:26 pm)aureolin wrote I wonder how much the fare discrepancy has to do with things? £3.80 all day on Stagecoach, but £6.20 on GNE? They're also over £1 cheaper for under 18s.

No idea how much a return is from say Boldon to Newcastle via GNE, but I'd be surprised if it's cheaper than £3.80.

Perhaps some Bargain Bus style competition is called for?

That's a good point.

Anyone in Boldon has the choice of operators, with some being conc pass holders (who aren't fussy) and those who do pay, possibly preferring to pay for the cheaper X34.
It would make sense to use the X34 and 100 if going to the Metrocentre too, rather than change at Gateshead

Interesting to see the X36 move to Market Street - not far at all from the X34 stop.
Maybe they are looking to pick up a few punters off Stagecoach?

Whether this is a common pattern I don't know, but I have noticed that on the very rare occasions I am in Boldon or on the 9/X36 - passengers seem to prefer the quicker 9 between Sunderland and Boldon.