07 Jun 2020, 12:52 pm
#950
Files:
Rationale behind suggested service changes to services 51A / 306 / 308
Current PVR (Pre COVID19) - 21x
306 (Jesmond) - 8x single deck vehicles *odd double deck workings common*
308 (Blyth) - 10x double deck vehicles
51 & 51A (Jesmond) - 3x minibuses
New suggested PVR - 17x
306 & 308 (Jesmond Boards) - 7x double deck vehicles
306 & 308 (Blyth Boards) - 6x double deck vehicles
51 & 51A - 4x minibuses
Current Vehicle Capacities
Single decker (306) - 44 seats
Double decker (308) - 71 seats
Services 306 & 308
- The current combined capacity of services 306 & 308 between Billy Mill and Newcastle is 460 seats per hour.
- With both services reduced to provide an even combined 10 minute frequency between Billy Mill and Newcastle, the capacity will be reduced by 34 seats per hour to 426 seats per hour (based on VDL DB300 Wright Gemini 2 being used). However, it is worth noting:
- Services 306 & 308 will operate at more even intervals thus distributing passenger loads more efficiently.
- Service 306 will no longer serve Battle Hill Drive, the Marden Estate or Whitley Bay.
- A potential slight decrease in the number of 'discretionary' passengers between Station Road and Newcastle due to a frequency reduction in comparison to Go North East. However, this will also be reflected by a reduction of the overall combined PVR in terms of cost.
- Marden Estate will benefit from slightly quicker journeys to and from Newcastle.
- If 10.9M ADL E400MMC vehicles were ordered later down the line, they would provide a capacity of 462 seats per hour (77 seats per vehicle) thus matching the number of seats per hour provided on a 7-8 minute frequency (15 minutes each service) but with a slightly reduced frequency and a reduced PVR.
Service 51A
- Could be subsidised by Nexus and extension will allow service 359 to be withdrawn.
Service X6
- Withdrawn due to most feeding areas and connections being provided by Stagecoach & Go North East.
Cost benefits
- PVR of full size single deck and double deck vehicles reduced by 27% from 18x to 13x.
- No 'cross depot' dead mileage. Jesmond will only operate dead mileage to and from either Billy Mill or Tymemouth (as they do now). The only dead mileage Blyth depot will operate (as they do now) will be from the last 308 service that operates from Blyth to Billy Mill with the vehicle operating light back to Blyth.
- Evening frequency reduced to better match capacity with demand.
Timetable journey codes
- A = Terminates at Tynemouth Beach Road near the Park Hotel and not Grand Parade
- B = Terminates at Lynn Road near First Vets and not Coast Road / Billy Mill
