Since I’ve been using this line for around two years now since moving down here the amount of money they must have lost out on would’ve paid for a train

it’s been happening forever so god knows how much in total they’ve missed out on. I was still paying just out of principle at the start as I don’t like bumping fares but the service they provide is farcical. I missed the Brentford game because the train before had been cancelled meaning about two people could get on at horden. I’ve started changing my match day now around getting an earlier train than I would normally just so I don’t risk not getting on.
They surely have enough feedback and data by now from the public and from drivers and workers who must absolutely dread having those shifts. They get stick even though it’s got nowt to do with them. I wouldn’t mind but the bus service from horden to Sunderland is also shite taking an age and also can’t be relied upon. They’ve stopped the service that went from horden to Sunderland too so you need to get a bus to Peterlee to catch the x6 (but that doesn’t run in Sundays) or the 61 that’s takes around 80mins to get to town or one of the Arriva buses that also goes around the world.
As a townie born and bread i used to scoff at people from the outskirts and Durham villages that it’s easier to get to Newcastle than Sunderland but that shockingly is the case. I can get to Newcastle on one of the express services the same time if not quicker than getting to Sunderland especially on a Sunday when the x6 doesn’t run. No wonder lots drive I can’t imagine relying on public transport around here if your job is a distance away.