(22 Oct 2013, 11:20 am)Greg in Weardale wrote And in my more limited use of X36 it's intermediate loadings are lower than those of X3.
(22 Oct 2013, 11:40 am)Andreos1 wrote Speaking of the x36, the one I saw arriving into Newcastle had 2 people on.
These have hit the nail on the head. The X3 is a lot busier than the X36. The difference is though the X36 will replace the 36/36A around Southwick, Witherwack, Red House, Downhill. An increase in a failing service (X36) allows them to get rid of the 36/36A around these areas and axe to X3. The X36 can serve local residents City Centre-North Sunderland and those who want to go from Sunderland-Newcastle/Gateshead/Heworth/Boldon. The 36/36A is failing and the X36 needs a boost, it's a win in GNE eyes. Obviously the people who lose their Newcastle bus between Sunderland-Fulwell-Boldon. Another point is that GNE will be hoping a bus direct to Newcastle City Centre will have a USP over stagecoach.