Enviro 400MMC's for the X10
Enviro 400MMC's for the X10
The only issue with a diversion via the top of Seaham for the X10 would be the traffic at Seaton (at the Lodge Lights), which at peak times can be an issue. I think the route itself should add no more than a few minutes. A diversion via Seaham Town Centre would perhaps serve more people, even if still limited stop - stopping at the Harbour would of course be the main interchange area for people, plus access to beach, shops etc., but it would certainly increase journey times - perhaps too much.
Having said that, the train services on the Durham coast line have a lot of issues. The local MP is trying, but not getting very far it seems, in trying to get the service up to scratch. Trains too full which either leads to overcrowding in a pandemic or the most likely option that passengers are left behind at stations. The situation has only got worse since Horden opened. It’s a shame in one respect that GNE haven’t sensed an opportunity for a Newcastle express from Seaham, links that existed even 15 years ago. On the face of it, it’s easy to say the train is quicker to Newcastle, but when the train now has reputation for not serving communities then it’s perhaps time for a change.
A Newcastle bus from Seaham could run via the Seaton/Houghton corridor and would then eliminate the need for the ‘loss making’ 71 in that stretch - and combined with the X1 timetable. Or even a separate service via Doxford International and A19. Also - without looking too much into journey - perhaps even something via Nissan or Follingsby could be worked in. That way providing some commuter opportunities too. As whilst I think some working situations and commuter travel may be permanently reduced, I think we might see an increase in leisure travel. People wishing to let their hair down more and be a bit more social. So buses that combine a bit of both makes sense.
