(17 Feb 2015, 8:48 pm)mb134 wrote Aha, that may be the one where I plucked the timing straight from Google, without taking into account bus stops, so I think the service 4 suggestion may be similarly over-ambitious, say 30-35 minutes per journey for both services then? Think if you then let them interwork, you would need a PVR of 5, if it was still operated at a half hourly frequency.
Edit: Just saw your original post now, sorry. Do you think with increased frequency, Arriva may have a chance?
I've typed Durham - Consett Bus Stations and it said 23 minutes without stopping anywhere but I added going past Durham University Hospital plus Witton Gilbert and Lanchester and it came back with a journey time of 28 minutes so maybe add a few minutes onto that to allow time for passenger boarding times. It would also depend on the route it took to Consett.
Not sure if more frequent service with help, doubt it would have helped the old 726/754 as it had gaps for school services and Arriva mainly used old step entrance double deckers on these services some with very steep steps too.
Still doubt Arriva would have much chance in these areas as GNE have many more services in the area especially Consett where they have all the Venture local services so I'd imagine it would end badly for Arriva.