(25 Nov 2013, 4:43 pm)Dan wrote I prefer having a streamlined service. Likewise, bus companies prefer to operate streamlined services.
As I don't purchase return tickets and I instead buy day tickets (whether it's a Nexus CAT or Get Around), having a "turn up and go" frequency on both the 2A/2C and X1 is massively beneficial to me. It allows me to have greater flexibility when travelling. If I miss my X2, I have to wait 30 minutes for the next bus... 10 mins vs 30 mins..? Which sounds more appealing to you?
The X2 would be advantageous to me also as I'd have a direct service from A-B rather than a possible wait in The Galleries as the night progresses, but through the day, the 2A/2C and X1 is certainly the best option for me.
I certainly understood the operators marketing and streamlined frequent services are best and I get where you're coming from however in terms of passengers I'm not sure how many would agree though. I direct service is always more appealing to me, we've just been saying how the new Pygalls X27 to MetroCentre is great for us living in East Durham as usually I'd have to get three different buses to get there as opposed to one.
(25 Nov 2013, 4:50 pm)Dan wrote Another reason why having a streamlined bus operation is beneficial to the operator...
Go North East can market/promote the "Red Arrows" X1 as being 'every 10 minutes'. This looks a lot better than 'every 15 minutes', as GNE would find it difficult to market a combined frequency between the X1 and X2.
Go North East's "SimpliCity" brand network heavily promotes the 'Simply turn up and go' slogan, which I believe is quite effective indeed.
Simply turn up and go on the every 15 minutes SimpliCity 61 and every 20 minutes SimpliCity 39.