(02 Nov 2015, 9:52 pm)S813 FVK wrote The route via Hobson provides quicker journey times than running via Burnopfield. Plus Burnopfield already have 2 services to Newcastle and 1 service to Metrocentre already (V7, X70 and X71) - all they'd need to do is re-route one of them via Lintz (could only be the V7 or X70) and the problem is sorted.
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.