(29 Jul 2015, 4:44 pm)Tom wrote I don't understand how the 58 will work either.We will see on Monday when the timetables are supposedly going to appear on the website.
Will it be: Nelson Village-Beacon Lea-Cramlington then either Hollywell or New Hartley?
Although I talked about this a while back when the 58 was first launched. Cramlington has missed its own bus network. The C1 proved an integral link, every 20mins serving Nelson Village, Manor Walks then Eastfield Lea. Likewise the C2 linking Beacon Lea, Beacon Hill, Manor Walks and Collingwood Grange. Buses were popular, well used and only really suffered in mater years when arriva upgraded them to Mini Darts. The C1 and C2 were originally operated by Sherpa Mini buses. These were perfect size, seating number and had no issues with parked cars. These were upgraded to metroriders and later to newer larger model of metrorider. The mistake was to not replace the darts with narrow body, short length Solos. These would have much more suited the the routes.
As it is we were always missing a C3, to connect East Hartford, Brockwell, Manor Walks, Southfield and Klondyke. That was the gap that was missing.
Now we have service 58. My only hope is that it is what NCC told me, combination of old C1 and C2 as one route. If this is so it is perfectly acceptable to provide an hourly service from:
Nelson Village - [2mins] Cramlington Station - [5mins] Beacon Hill - [3mins] Beacon Lea - [5mins] Manor Walks Asda/Retail Park - [4mins] Dudley Lane (Sainsburys) - [2mins] Hareside - [7mins incl turn around] Collingwood Grange - [5mins] Cambo Drive - [6mins] Clifton Road (Klondyke) - [8mins] Cramlington Hospital
The times stated are based upon my local knowledge and memory of the old routes. Yes, it allows about 45mins, end to end, but traffic and passenger mobility affect loading/alighting times.
To maintain an hourly frequency would require 2 buses. Given the old C1s used to be about 28mins end to end and the C2 was around 26mins, I think, 45mins is not too bad. Would still be better as separate services to run the old C1/C2s with hospital extension to reduce journey times.
We will see and feel free to ignore me uneducated waffle.
Cheers
(30 Jul 2015, 11:15 am)palatine3833 wrote The condition that the Lowlanders were sent in was absolutely disgusting. The main problem with the Lowlanders is that the chassis' are rotting away. The reason people criticise Ashington's maintenance is mainly because two of the 57-plates have had to have work done to the rear interior as the floor collapsed (a sign the bus definitely hasn't been looked after IMO)