03 Nov 2015, 11:36 am
#51
(03 Nov 2015, 10:56 am)Andreos1 Yeah, I know the route that stays on the main road is quicker.
What I was trying to say, was that even if the new revision meant the service was quicker - it wouldn't benefit users that much, on a journey of that duration.
It has been a while since I used services over there on a regular basis.
Managed to get a Lance with a paper display on the last of my regular run - which shows how long ago it was.
Sure it was brought back into use and loaned to Stanley to cover repaints.
What I can't see changing too much in the intervening years, is a demand for buses in Burnopfield.
Certainly not enough, to warrant the level of service it has now and not at the expense of Hobson.
One thing that has crossed my mind, is the reliability seen with the X70/71.
Appreciate hands may be tied slightly due to the nature of its route, but I am starting to wonder if the V7 and 6 changes have been made to lessen the impact on passengers affected by the delays seen by the expresses.
The residents of Burnopfield have long been critical of the X70/71, but now have alternatives.
Finances and resources may have meant improvements to the X70/1 are limited.
An easy fix, is a diversion of other services.
The problem has arisen from reducing the Diamond (former 43/44) route from Stanley to Newcastle from 4 per hour to 2 per hour on new service 6. The Hobson section having previously been operated by 44. - Solution would be to re-adopt the former route/timings of 43/44 as possibly 6 & 6A.
Lintz estate could be picked up by Nexus R5 or Venture V7 and Sunniside Glebeway routing could be picked up by Whickham local services to Metro Centre where further connections can be made to Newcastle etc... - This would give a quicker and more comfortable journey from Stanley, Metro Ctr & Newcastle. Not sure if it may reduce PVR from former 43/44 Diamond. - Maybe when new Streetlites arrive?
I travelled from Stanley to Newcastle last week on Omnidekka and it was torture. Windows misted up, Seat too uncomfortable (almost upright) - Service has definitely been downgraded.
