(31 Jul 2017, 6:57 pm)Ex-conductor wrote Several years ago I wrote to GNE, complaining that the direct link between Hadrian Park and North Shields had been discontinued. This link had been possible with the then 300 service, which was the forerunner of today's 310. I also complained about the withdrawal of direct buses between North Shields and Blyth. I could not, and still cannot understand why GNE insist on creating long routes from the coast areas such as to Wrekenton, Kibblesworth and the recently-introduced 42A to Kingston Park via most of the north-west of North Tyneside at the expense of more local routes. It may suit their scheduling and vehicle allocation, but does not serve the local population adequately. Of course GNE's response was to point out connecting facilitites. Why, then do't they point out connecting facilities to these faraway places and concentrate on more local links, which are bound to attract more customers?
Extending the Coaster to Blyth would be one option but would require a long layover whether using the full or short Coaster boards. Also, drivers would most likely need to be under strict orders to ask all passengers boarding in Blyth for destinations to ensure that any vunlerable passengers intending to head to Bedlington Station / Ashington don't end up in the middle of Wallsend / Byker.
If extra Omnicities could be sourced, could GNE not exploit the market for a faster version of the 308, serving all stops between Blyth and Billy Mill then only calling at Norham Road and Willington Square? Could interwork with the Coaster in Blyth and offer a more reliable service (with no tight turnarounds) without needing a driver changeover at Norham Road making it a true express service. And to attract passengers on Lynn Road / Billy Mill / Norham Road and Willington Square who would need to rely on the 308 during evenings and Sundays, maybe a special reduced weekly ticket could be offered covering all stops between Billy Mill Lane and Newcastle to attract commuters during the morning / afternoon peaks.