(01 Sep 2016, 9:51 pm)Tom wrote Sadly I agree with you there, it normally has a few passengers going into town say between 10 and 12 and coming out of town at 3 or 4 but other than that it is normally empty between Walllsend and Newcastle which is a shame as it's quicker. Even when the 11 is in front of the 1 or 22 people still seem to wait for the 1 or 22...
I'd guess people prefer Stagecoach because it's cheaper, has more connections in Newcastle (day tickets) more recognisable brand and service to people.
I can't see the gamble working but complaints about the Whickham/Lobely Hill section seem to have dropped considerably based on anecdotal Facebook views