North East Buses

Arriva handing over the 685 has got me thinking, could we see GNE withdraw their almost equivalent 684? Of course GNE has a presence in Hexham which Arriva doesn't (aside from the 685), so that could make a difference. Originally the 684 only went as far as Ovington as far as I know, is there sufficient demand for it to run to Hexham? Perhaps the future is shared ticketing on the 684/685?

(09 Dec 2022, 9:29 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]Arriva handing over the 685 has got me thinking, could we see GNE withdraw their almost equivalent 684? Of course GNE has a presence in Hexham which Arriva doesn't (aside from the 685), so that could make a difference. Originally the 684 only went as far as Ovington as far as I know, is there sufficient demand for it to run to Hexham? Perhaps the future is shared ticketing on the 684/685?

It gets quite busy, tho joint ticketing would be something good, even better if it would be extended to Carlisle.

(09 Dec 2022, 8:53 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]A 13/7 split with careful timings would work for the 308 & 309 (amongst individual combined frequencies) with both then forming a 10 minute service between Blyth and North Tyneside Hospital.

But unless it's late at night with no cars on the road and 6 pints down, a Hadrian Park de-tour is no fun and rightly something that Peter Huntley removed.

If an 'evens' service was going to be created....

- 306 - every 20 mins as now but no longer serves Battle Hill

- 308 - every 20 mins as now

- 309 - every 20 mins as now, via High Farm

- 310 - every 20 mins as now

- 22 - 1x every 20 mins to Cobalt, 1x every 20 mins to Hadrian Park

But it's not a detour around Battle Hill because the Whitley Bay punters won't be using the 309 at all because they're using the 308 instead as they're splitting the fares and Cobalt punters have the X39 at peak times.

The 308 and 309 currently are a chore to use as they stop everywhere and go around the world. I've drawn a little map below on what I'd do and build routes around. GoNorthEast focus on getting punters from the red areas on slower buses and Arriva focus on the green areas on faster services, possibly running non stop from the triangle.

The orange and blue routes being local services, orange (309 extensions) for punters from Cobalt and Battle Hill towards Whitley Bay and Blyth and the light blue on the 306 towards Tynemouth Morrisons.

[attachment=10314]

Right now there's just 2 slow services stopping everywhere. Gosforth is much better designed with the 43/44/45 (309/310) stopping everywhere and the X9/X10/X11 (306/308) doing further afield.

Alternatively if you didn't want too many buses running via High Farm then you could change that section to run like this and serve the North of Wallsend which has a shocking poor bus service. No-one is realistically going to walk under the subway from the houses furthest away. You'd have to work with the LA / Nexus to get some bus stops fitted though.

[attachment=10315]

There's so many ways they could be improved but because of the tit for tat with the 308/309 areas are unserved.

(09 Dec 2022, 7:22 pm)Dans_bus_photos wrote [ -> ]I wonder what will be allocated to it. Sure I read somewhere it will be operating from Slatyford

Have they even got any vehicle suitable ? I suppose Enviro 400MMCs? Or perhaps the ex Cumbria Enviro300s

(09 Dec 2022, 9:29 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]Arriva handing over the 685 has got me thinking, could we see GNE withdraw their almost equivalent 684? Of course GNE has a presence in Hexham which Arriva doesn't (aside from the 685), so that could make a difference. Originally the 684 only went as far as Ovington as far as I know, is there sufficient demand for it to run to Hexham? Perhaps the future is shared ticketing on the 684/685?

Stagecoach will operate the 685 which, does make sense in a way. I would have imagined if GNE had been interested in this they would have bought at the time of Hexham depot. The late Peter Huntley was against joint operation. Hence the termination of the 308 (Northumbria/GNE) 722/723 (GNE/United) X1 & X10 (GNE/United/Tees)

Effectively if the 310 was made standalone with no PVR increase (11x  309/311 and 5x 310), the 308 & 309 could be timed with a common frequency on common sections of route.

As for evenings, cutting the long layover from the Tynemouth end of the 306 and adding more running time with an interworking pattern would also be a better option for Arriva. Sundays not looked at as the 308 & 309 are fairly even on Sundays.

[attachment=10316]

(09 Dec 2022, 9:29 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]Arriva handing over the 685 has got me thinking, could we see GNE withdraw their almost equivalent 684? Of course GNE has a presence in Hexham which Arriva doesn't (aside from the 685), so that could make a difference. Originally the 684 only went as far as Ovington as far as I know, is there sufficient demand for it to run to Hexham? Perhaps the future is shared ticketing on the 684/685?

is the 684 not contracted via Northumberland County Council? Assuming all else is equal, I’m not sure why NCC would pull it?

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(09 Dec 2022, 7:22 pm)Dans_bus_photos wrote [ -> ]I wonder what will be allocated to it. Sure I read somewhere it will be operating from Slatyford

I’d read elsewhere that it would be busways. I’ve seen both Slatyford and Walkergate mentioned, but then a Nexus rep stated Cumbria in a public meeting so I’m not sure either way. Maybe the Nexus rep just doesn’t appreciate Stagecoach is a many headed beast?

Either way, interesting if it is Slatyford given the reasoning behind the 100 being suspended is staff shortages.

(10 Dec 2022, 12:32 am)Chris 1 wrote [ -> ]is the 684 not contracted via Northumberland County Council? Assuming all else is equal, I’m not sure why NCC would pull it?

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I’d read elsewhere that it would be busways. I’ve seen both Slatyford and Walkergate mentioned, but then a Nexus rep stated Cumbria in a public meeting so I’m not sure either way. Maybe the Nexus rep just doesn’t appreciate Stagecoach is a many headed beast?

Either way, interesting if it is Slatyford given the reasoning behind the 100 being suspended is staff shortages.

What if Stagecoach North West are subcontracting the route?

(10 Dec 2022, 12:32 am)Chris 1 wrote [ -> ]is the 684 not contracted via Northumberland County Council? Assuming all else is equal, I’m not sure why NCC would pull it?

Yes NCC tender the 684 service.

GNE holding the contract makes some sense in that they hold the majority of the other tendered services in the Hexham area although at the same time, large parts of the route is replicated by Stagecoach routes including the 685 so for ease of ticketing it would likely be better for those living along the 684 routes but on the other hand parts are also replicated by GNE.

(09 Dec 2022, 5:26 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]If there's joint ticketing then this would be better imo:

306 - Pulled out of Battle Hill
308 - No Changes
309 - 311 Route to Hadrian Park, 309 to Cobalt (Every 15 Minutes), Extended to Blyth (Every 30 Minutes)
310 - Upped to Every 15 Minutes

306/308 - Combined every 7.5 Minutes between Newcastle and Billy Mill
309/310 - Combined every 7.5 Minutes between Newcastle and Battle Hill

There's absolutely no need for a 10 minute service between Blyth / Whitley Bay and Newcastle plus it wouldn't work anyway as it would make the 306/308 run at the same time. Why should Arriva drop down to 6 BPH while GNE still has 9 BPH. I wouldn't be too keen either.

Surely the 310 would go via Hadrian Park with the 311 withdrawn, and the 306/308 run every 20 minutes, as they do on Saturdays. 
That way there could be an even 5-minute headway Haymarket to Station Road and vice-versa

306 x 20 min
308 x 20 min
309 x 20 min
310 x 20 min (via Hadrian Park)

There are currently 7 buses per hour Blyth to Whitley Bay on Mon-Fri, so reducing to 6 is still a saving (pre covid there were 8 per hour, 4 x 308 and 4 x 309).

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(09 Dec 2022, 6:19 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Busways have now registered the 685 for its full operation.


PB0002404/401
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685HN (685) Newcastle Eldon Square Hexham Bus Station

PB0002404/402
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685BH (685) Hexham Bus Station Brampton Market Place

PB0002404/403
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685 (685) Brampton Market Place Carlisle Bus Station

Have Busways got enough drivers to take on the extra work?

(10 Dec 2022, 10:40 am)busmanT wrote [ -> ]Have Busways got enough drivers to take on the extra work?

Stagecoach Cumbria is taking on one of the three Arriva workings.

(10 Dec 2022, 10:40 am)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Yes NCC tender the 684 service.

GNE holding the contract makes some sense in that they hold the majority of the other tendered services in the Hexham area although at the same time, large parts of the route is replicated by Stagecoach routes including the 685 so for ease of ticketing it would likely be better for those living along the 684 routes but on the other hand parts are also replicated by GNE.

When the X10 used to serve Stand A in Elon Square before being moved to Stand D (stupid move btw), a lot of the people who got on 684 either had GNE Tickets or Concession Passes, one thing I noticed when I was last in Hexham was that when the 685 pulled in the majority of people who were waiting for the X85 at the time jumped on it had Concession Passes.

(10 Dec 2022, 10:40 am)busmanT wrote [ -> ]Surely the 310 would go via Hadrian Park with the 311 withdrawn, and the 306/308 run every 20 minutes, as they do on Saturdays. 
That way there could be an even 5-minute headway Haymarket to Station Road and vice-versa

306 x 20 min
308 x 20 min
309 x 20 min
310 x 20 min (via Hadrian Park)

There are currently 7 buses per hour Blyth to Whitley Bay on Mon-Fri, so reducing to 6 is still a saving (pre covid there were 8 per hour, 4 x 308 and 4 x 309).

I get what your saying and don't disagree per say as it would work but my idea was more about focusing on zones per say with the 306/308 focusing on the outlier areas being limited stop / using the fastest route and the 309/310 focusing on the Coast Road itself.

[attachment=10317]

The map above probably explains it a better and build routes accordingly with Arriva's buses focusing on the right of the black line and the GNE services including buses to Cobalt from N. Tyneside the left hand side of the black line going to Newcastle.

As someone who used to use the 308 from time to time it's a chore of a bus route from Whitley Bay as it stops everywhere and I wouldn't be surprised if it put other punters off aswell. imo the 308/309 as it is don't benefit anyone from Whitley as they're both duplicate slow stopping services and is just a history from bus wars. The 306/310 are better though as they have their unique areas hence the 310 should have the quicker route avoiding Hadrian Park imo and terminating some short around New York on the 309 saving some resources.

Obviously they'd have to work together and split fares fairly for that to work but both would benefit from it imo. The buses are dead between Blyth and Whitley Bay most the time in particular.

But tbf why would GNE just want to be the slow stopping service and ANE being the fast services.

Also with say an X309 (308) how would you know which one is faster.

(10 Dec 2022, 10:40 am)busmanT wrote [ -> ]Surely the 310 would go via Hadrian Park with the 311 withdrawn, and the 306/308 run every 20 minutes, as they do on Saturdays. 
That way there could be an even 5-minute headway Haymarket to Station Road and vice-versa

306 x 20 min
308 x 20 min
309 x 20 min
310 x 20 min (via Hadrian Park)

There are currently 7 buses per hour Blyth to Whitley Bay on Mon-Fri, so reducing to 6 is still a saving (pre covid there were 8 per hour, 4 x 308 and 4 x 309).

310 via Hadrian Park unless during an evening is a big no no. 

GNE giving up Hadrian Park thus 'encouraging' Stagecoach to have the 22 serving Hadrian Park every 20 mins and the other to Cobalt every 20 mins would be the better option. In fact, although it might put the 41/41A at risk with Stagecoach talking some Hadrian Park to Wallsend fares, it would at least protect GNE's 1 from Stagecoach extending the 22 further into North Tyneside.

(10 Dec 2022, 12:42 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]But tbf why would GNE just want to be the slow stopping service and ANE being the fast services.

Also with say an X309 (308) how would you know which one is faster.

Because they'd get a monopoly of Battle Hill so they'd gain from it, the 306 currently goes through being petty there at the same time. They pretty much are the slow services anyway though.

The 306 is 10 minutes quicker than the 310 and 308 is 2 minutes quicker but it feels much quicker than that as it doesn't trundle around Cobalt and Battle Hill, not to mention it would be an even timetable as the 309 goes direct skipping High Farm so it's a bizarre 3 / 7 / 10 timetable through Battle Hill which is less than ideal.

Hadrian Park is a pain in the arse as it's not busy but whatever route goes through there is a nuisance and there's no need for the 311 as it just overbuses Newcastle to Station Road. I agree the 310 is a big no no though so the 309 is the next best target as they have the 308.

(10 Dec 2022, 12:50 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Because they'd get a monopoly of Battle Hill so they'd gain from it, the 306 currently goes through being petty there at the same time. They pretty much are the slow services anyway though.

The 306 is 10 minutes quicker than the 310 and 308 is 2 minutes quicker but it feels much quicker than that as it doesn't trundle around Cobalt and Battle Hill, not to mention it would be an even timetable as the 309 goes direct skipping High Farm so it's a bizarre 3 / 7 / 10 timetable through Battle Hill which is less than ideal.

Hadrian Park is a pain in the arse as it's not busy but whatever route goes through there is a nuisance and there's no need for the 311 as it just overbuses Newcastle to Station Road. I agree the 310 is a big no no though so the 309 is the next best target as they have the 308.

True, but how would they split the revenue generated especially if people have got weekly tickets off services whcih aren't there or just like North Tyneside Tickets. 

Singles & Returns are easy well...would they split them 5 ways or would the 311 just be withdrawn so they can split them 4 ways

(10 Dec 2022, 12:55 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]True, but how would they split the revenue generated especially if people have got weekly tickets off services whcih aren't there or just like North Tyneside Tickets. 

Singles & Returns are easy well...would they split them 5 ways or would the 311 just be withdrawn so they can split them 4 ways

Not too sure that's complicated part of it but if they don't then I could imagine it could be a rather toxic conversation and the mess (as let's be honest it is) along there won't change.

Can't see discussions going well on the suggestions by some as it'll end up being this.

GNE: I've got a good idea.
Arriva: What is it?
GNE: Let's clean up the Coast Road it doesn't work.
Arriva: Good idea it's way overbussed.
GNE: Why don't you drop the 306/308 to every 20 minutes that should do.
Arriva: Are we going to split the fares?
GNE: No we'll have joint ticketing though but other tickets stay ours.
Arriva: Hang on a minute, so you want us to drop our buses on a corridor which was traditionally ours and one of our flagship routes (308) and you do nothing else?
GNE: Yes.
Arriva: Piss off.

(10 Dec 2022, 12:50 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Hadrian Park is a pain in the arse as it's not busy but whatever route goes through there is a nuisance and there's no need for the 311 as it just overbuses Newcastle to Station Road. I agree the 310 is a big no no though so the 309 is the next best target as they have the 308.

And then people who travel to Cobalt are going to complain about slower journey times even with peak time X39 running.

22 every 20 minutes would be the best option and in comparison to when the 57/58 served Hadrian Park right into the City Centre around Monument, the 22 isn't that much slower.

(10 Dec 2022, 1:16 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]And then people who travel to Cobalt are going to complain about slower journey times even with peak time X39 running.

22 every 20 minutes would be the best option and in comparison to when the 57/58 served Hadrian Park right into the City Centre around Monument, the 22 isn't that much slower.

Perhaps you could ask people who use the 311 what they would prefer from Hadrian Park what they prefer?

(10 Dec 2022, 1:16 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]And then people who travel to Cobalt are going to complain about slower journey times even with peak time X39 running.

22 every 20 minutes would be the best option and in comparison to when the 57/58 served Hadrian Park right into the City Centre around Monument, the 22 isn't that much slower.

Aye can't disagree with that one but then there's letting Stagecoach on the scene being a problem. It's an awkward place to solve mind. I believe your from there and kind of surprised they haven't just abandoned it like they did with Wiltshire drive in the past.
Tbh the best thing they could do really is have another duplicate service which is part of the core routes, something like
305 - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97691...c8!1m0!3e0 - Every 30 Minutes
311 - Withdrawn
51 - Withdrawn
55 - Extended to Holystone, Every 30 Minutes; Extended to Whitley Bay Every Hour
317 - Pulled out of Rosehill, extended to Briardene - ran by minibuses
W2 - Withdrawn
41 - Withdrawn
41A - Renumbered 41, terminating at Jolly Bowman (omitting Hadrian Park - they'd use new 305)

Would solve the problems around there and now with the 51 frequency reduction; Wiltshire Drive have a shocking service. It's still -2 buses ultimately along the Coast Road.

(10 Dec 2022, 1:37 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Aye can't disagree with that one but then there's letting Stagecoach on the scene being a problem. It's an awkward place to solve mind. I believe your from there and kind of surprised they haven't just abandoned it like they did with Wiltshire drive in the past.
Tbh the best thing they could do really is have another duplicate service which is part of the core routes, something like
305 - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97691...c8!1m0!3e0 - Every 30 Minutes
311 - Withdrawn
51 - Withdrawn
55 - Extended to Holystone, Every 30 Minutes; Extended to Whitley Bay Every Hour
317 - Pulled out of Rosehill, extended to Briardene - ran by minibuses
W2 - Withdrawn
41 - Withdrawn
41A - Renumbered 41, terminating at Jolly Bowman (omitting Hadrian Park - they'd use new 305)

Would solve the problems around there and now with the 51 frequency reduction; Wiltshire Drive have a shocking service. It's still -2 buses ultimately along the Coast Road.

Why not just turn it into a part loop, extend it to stotts road, A187, past Lidl, past Asda, along Rabey Way then Byker Bank, then A193 on A167, then to Central Station or Market Street.

Ok, so admittedly parts of this idea have been taken from previous suggestions in the forum but further developed also taking into account trying to target more areas either with a 'slower' bus service and subsequently higher car usage including some parts of North Shields where a slower service or a walk to a Metro Station is really the only option.

Arriva - COAST EXPRESS - X36 & X38 - PVR 13x
X36 - every 20 minutes - only two minutes slower than 306 end to end but will cover more areas:
- Tynemouth - Linskill Terrace - North Shields Christ Church - Preston Road - Queen Alexandra Road - Hawkeys Lane - Chirton Green - Billy Mill Avenue - Verne Road - Norham Road / Coast Road Retail Park - Coast Road / Silverlink - Coast Road / Willington Square - limited stop to Newcastle Haymarket only calling at Civic Centre and St Mary's Place.

X38 - every 20 minutes:
- Blyth - Seaton Sluice - Whitley Bay - North Tyneside Hospital - Billy Mill Lane - Coast Road / Billy Mill - Coast Road / Norham Road - Coast Road / Silverlink - Coast Road / Willington Square - limited stop to Newcastle Haymarket only calling at Civic Centre and St Mary's Place.

Go North East - COAST LINK - 309 / 310 / 311 - PVR 12x
309 - every 15 minutes Newcastle - Willington Square (shorts turn at Silverlink Roundabout) continuing every 30 minutes to Whitley Bay:
- Whitley Bay Town Centre - Marden Estate - North Tyneside Hospital - New York - Cobalt Park - Silverlink - Coast Road / Willington Square - Coast Road / Holy Cross - Selby Gardens - Coast Road / Station Road then all stops to Newcastle

310 - every 30 minutes:
- North Shields - Meadowell - West Chirton - Norham Road North  - Cobalt Park - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Coast Road / Station Road then all stops to Newcastle

311 - every 30 minutes:
- Hadrian Park - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Coast Road / Station Road then all stops to Newcastle


*Notes on suggestions*
- X36 & X38 replace 306 & 308 offering faster journey times to most of current parts east of the A19 in North Tyneside & Northumberland as well as offering connections with 'all stopping' services at Willington Square. Will not serve Gibson Street stops or Coast Road Campus stops after Willington Square to ensure that services can easily divert via alternative routes (i.e via Churchill Street and A193) if needed.

- 309 will serve the Marden Estate instead of the 306. 99% of links via Hillheads on current 309 route can still provided by X38 & 54.

- Most links retained with connections available and integrated ticketing / through fares between GNE (Coast Link) and Arriva (Coast Express).

- Link from Battle Hill to Cobalt maintained as well most links currently provided by service 310. Middle Engine Lane / Alder Road only a short walking distance from Norham Road / Middle Engine Lane.

- Although frequency reduced from Coast Road / Billy Mill, service X36 would serve deeper into the areas where passengers may usually walk up to the Coast Road from. Furthermore, service X36 via Verne Road would somehow make up for a longer journey time on service 310.


*Frequencies*
Every 10 minutes - Coast Road / Norham Road (or Tesco stop) - Coast Road / Silverlink - Coast Road / Willington Square - limited stop to Newcastle Haymarket.

Every 7-8 minutes 309/310/311 - Coast Road / Station Road - (all stops) - Newcastle Haymarket.

Every 15 minutes 310/311 - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Coast Road / Station Road - (all stops) - Newcastle Haymarket.

Every 15 minutes 309 - Coast Road / Willington Square - Coast Road / St Peter's - Selby Gardens - Coast Road / Station Road (all stops) - Newcastle Haymarket.

Approximately up to every 10/20 minutes 309/310 - Newcastle Haymarket - (all stops) - Coast Road / Station Road - Cobalt Park.


*Timing Sample*
[attachment=10318]

(10 Dec 2022, 6:27 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]Ok, so admittedly parts of this idea have been taken from previous suggestions in the forum but further developed also taking into account trying to target more areas either with a 'slower' bus service and subsequently higher car usage including some parts of North Shields where a slower service or a walk to a Metro Station is really the only option.

Arriva - COAST EXPRESS - X36 & X38 - PVR 13x
X36 - every 20 minutes - only two minutes slower than 306 end to end but will cover more areas:
- Tynemouth - Linskill Terrace - North Shields Christ Church - Preston Road - Queen Alexandra Road - Hawkeys Lane - Chirton Green - Billy Mill Avenue - Verne Road - Norham Road / Coast Road Retail Park - Coast Road / Silverlink - Coast Road / Willington Square - limited stop to Newcastle Haymarket only calling at Civic Centre and St Mary's Place.

X38 - every 20 minutes:
- Blyth - Seaton Sluice - Whitley Bay - North Tyneside Hospital - Billy Mill Lane - Coast Road / Billy Mill - Coast Road / Norham Road - Coast Road / Silverlink - Coast Road / Willington Square - limited stop to Newcastle Haymarket only calling at Civic Centre and St Mary's Place.

Go North East - COAST LINK - 309 / 310 / 311 - PVR 12x
309 - every 15 minutes Newcastle - Willington Square (shorts turn at Silverlink Roundabout) continuing every 30 minutes to Whitley Bay:
- Whitley Bay Town Centre - Marden Estate - North Tyneside Hospital - New York - Cobalt Park - Silverlink - Coast Road / Willington Square - Coast Road / Holy Cross - Selby Gardens - Coast Road / Station Road then all stops to Newcastle

310 - every 30 minutes:
- North Shields - Meadowell - West Chirton - Norham Road North  - Cobalt Park - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Coast Road / Station Road then all stops to Newcastle

311 - every 30 minutes:
- Hadrian Park - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Coast Road / Station Road then all stops to Newcastle


*Notes on suggestions*
- X36 & X38 replace 306 & 308 offering faster journey times to most of current parts east of the A19 in North Tyneside & Northumberland as well as offering connections with 'all stopping' services at Willington Square. Will not serve Gibson Street stops or Coast Road Campus stops after Willington Square to ensure that services can easily divert via alternative routes (i.e via Churchill Street and A193) if needed.

- 309 will serve the Marden Estate instead of the 306. 99% of links via Hillheads on current 309 route can still provided by X38 & 54.

- Most links retained with connections available and integrated ticketing / through fares between GNE (Coast Link) and Arriva (Coast Express).

- Link from Battle Hill to Cobalt maintained as well most links currently provided by service 310. Middle Engine Lane / Alder Road only a short walking distance from Norham Road / Middle Engine Lane.

- Although frequency reduced from Coast Road / Billy Mill, service X36 would serve deeper into the areas where passengers may usually walk up to the Coast Road from. Furthermore, service X36 via Verne Road would somehow make up for a longer journey time on service 310.


*Frequencies*
Every 10 minutes - Coast Road / Norham Road (or Tesco stop) - Coast Road / Silverlink - Coast Road / Willington Square - limited stop to Newcastle Haymarket.

Every 7-8 minutes 309/310/311 - Coast Road / Station Road - (all stops) - Newcastle Haymarket.

Every 15 minutes 310/311 - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Coast Road / Station Road - (all stops) - Newcastle Haymarket.

Every 15 minutes 309 - Coast Road / Willington Square - Coast Road / St Peter's - Selby Gardens - Coast Road / Station Road (all stops) - Newcastle Haymarket.

Approximately up to every 10/20 minutes 309/310 - Newcastle Haymarket - (all stops) - Coast Road / Station Road - Cobalt Park.


*Timing Sample*

Can't really disagree with that to be fair, I haven't checked busing but one thing I could maybe suggest which is moving things around abit and similar to your idea in a way.
309: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97836...93!1m0!3e0
(Every 30 Minutes)
310: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97726...b2!1m0!3e0 (Every 30 Minutes)
311: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97726...e9!1m0!3e0 (Every 30 Minutes)
312: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/55.00480...2d!1m0!3e0 - Would use the Silverlink bus lane but can't map it (Every 30 Minutes)

It offers areas which currently have a very piss poor service especially around Malvern Road on the 309, keeps the 15 minute Newcastle to New York (unique section of the 309) which has potential to grow. Adds new links from Howden to Newcastle instead of damn right bizarre 41/41A routing - it least has a use and also gives the Meadowell area a quicker route to Newcastle with the 312 including Tyne Trading Ind. Estate which has a shockingly poor service again.

Heck alternatively you could join the 309/310 together and create a North Tyneside loop service something like - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97726...86!1m0!3e0

(10 Dec 2022, 7:32 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Can't really disagree with that to be fair, I haven't checked busing but one thing I could maybe suggest which is moving things around abit and similar to your idea in a way.
309: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97836...93!1m0!3e0
(Every 30 Minutes)
310: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97726...b2!1m0!3e0 (Every 30 Minutes)
311: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97726...e9!1m0!3e0 (Every 30 Minutes)
312: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/55.00480...2d!1m0!3e0 - Would use the Silverlink bus lane but can't map it (Every 30 Minutes)

It offers areas which currently have a very piss poor service especially around Malvern Road on the 309, keeps the 15 minute Newcastle to New York (unique section of the 309) which has potential to grow. Adds new links from Howden to Newcastle instead of damn right bizarre 41/41A routing - it least has a use and also gives the Meadowell area a quicker route to Newcastle with the 312 including Tyne Trading Ind. Estate which has a shockingly poor service again.

I think 312 should do a loop back to Newcastle then a return to Central Station or Market Street tbh

(10 Dec 2022, 7:32 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Can't really disagree with that to be fair, I haven't checked busing but one thing I could maybe suggest which is moving things around abit and similar to your idea in a way.
309: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97836...93!1m0!3e0
(Every 30 Minutes)
310: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97726...b2!1m0!3e0 (Every 30 Minutes)
311: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97726...e9!1m0!3e0 (Every 30 Minutes)
312: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/55.00480...2d!1m0!3e0 - Would use the Silverlink bus lane but can't map it (Every 30 Minutes)

It offers areas which currently have a very piss poor service especially around Malvern Road on the 309, keeps the 15 minute Newcastle to New York (unique section of the 309) which has potential to grow. Adds new links from Howden to Newcastle instead of damn right bizarre 41/41A routing - it least has a use and also gives the Meadowell area a quicker route to Newcastle with the 312 including Tyne Trading Ind. Estate which has a shockingly poor service again.

Heck alternatively you could join the 309/310 together and create a North Tyneside loop service something like - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.97726...86!1m0!3e0

I wouldn't pick out every point, but the Malvern Road idea is actually a good one and another underserved area with potential.

St Peter's would still need a service and although an extra stop on paper wouldn't hurt the X36 / X38, it takes away another diversion opportunity as with only serving Willington Square eastern side slip roads, both services have more diversion options available which would be a key selling point of the services.

Maybe an extension of the 311 via a similar loop to the 305 as you mentioned would be a good idea. But the cost of an extra decker vs a mini / midi bus?

As for the 312, Meadowell already has the Metro and the existing 1 from Wallsend Road / Redburn wouldn't be much slower to Newcastle not forgetting being more central rather than Haymarket.

The big thing if any such changes got implemented is the simplicity, ticketing and most importantly, the links & connections available.

Coast Express Marketing Example:
- Your service 306 & 308 is about to get a whole lot faster, say hello to new COAST EXPRESS services X36 & X38.
- Both routes largely unchanged but with new and improved links available on service X36 around the North Shields, Chirton and West Chirton Area.
- After Coast Road / Willington Square, all journeys will run NON STOP to Newcastle City Centre.
- If you still need the 'stops along the way', our sister COAST LINK services provide connection opportunities at several common key stopping points en-route with through fares available.

(10 Dec 2022, 9:38 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]I wouldn't pick out every point, but the Malvern Road idea is actually a good one and another underserved area with potential.

St Peter's would still need a service and although an extra stop on paper wouldn't hurt the X36 / X38, it takes away another diversion opportunity as with only serving Willington Square eastern side slip roads, both services have more diversion options available which would be a key selling point of the services.

Maybe an extension of the 311 via a similar loop to the 305 as you mentioned would be a good idea. But the cost of an extra decker vs a mini / midi bus?

As for the 312, Meadowell already has the Metro and the existing 1 from Wallsend Road / Redburn wouldn't be much slower to Newcastle not forgetting being more central rather than Haymarket.

The big thing if any such changes got implemented is the simplicity, ticketing and most importantly, the links & connections available.

Coast Express Marketing Example:
- Your service 306 & 308 is about to get a whole lot faster, say hello to new COAST EXPRESS services X36 & X38.
- Both routes largely unchanged but with new and improved links available on service X36 around the North Shields, Chirton and West Chirton Area.
- After Coast Road / Willington Square, all journeys will run NON STOP to Newcastle City Centre.
- If you still need the 'stops along the way', our sister COAST LINK services provide connection opportunities at several common key stopping points en-route with through fares available.

Aye agreed with the Coast Express tbh, it's how it should be done imo. I think the 311 would benefit more as it's actually benefitting people. If you extended the 305 right through to Wallsend then you could potentially get arid of a few minibuses and drop the whole 41/41A down to every 30 minutes. The core section of the route Battle Hill don't lose out as they can just go either way instead.

I'd probably just keep St Peter's on the X36/X38 though, there's never traffic there as far as I'm aware and you'd lose the Embleton Avenue stops which are actually quite busy with students heading to Tyne Met including linking the two campuses on the 306 so would be a seriously unpopular move.

For the 312 maybe send it further down to the Royal Quays instead another area which has an absymal service to be honest. It's been a bit of a problem in North Tyneside for a while now where if you don't live on the 1, 306, 308, 310 or the Metro then the bus service is absolutely crap and it's getting worse with the 51, 53 and 54 all being a mess now while GNE just abandoned everything.

(10 Dec 2022, 10:38 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Aye agreed with the Coast Express tbh, it's how it should be done imo. I think the 311 would benefit more as it's actually benefitting people. If you extended the 305 right through to Wallsend then you could potentially get arid of a few minibuses and drop the whole 41/41A down to every 30 minutes. The core section of the route Battle Hill don't lose out as they can just go either way instead.

I'd probably just keep St Peter's on the X36/X38 though, there's never traffic there as far as I'm aware and you'd lose the Embleton Avenue stops which are actually quite busy with students heading to Tyne Met including linking the two campuses on the 306 so would be a seriously unpopular move.

For the 312 maybe send it further down to the Royal Quays instead another area which has an absymal service to be honest. It's been a bit of a problem in North Tyneside for a while now where if you don't live on the 1, 306, 308, 310 or the Metro then the bus service is absolutely crap and it's getting worse with the 51, 53 and 54 all being a mess now while GNE just abandoned everything.

For the 312, could continue the 'short' 309 to Silverlink then after High Flatworth.......something like the following for East Howdon and Royal Quays. Percy Main missed out as that already has the 19/317 and Metro.

https://goo.gl/maps/m1RAakoXEz56SzH3A