(03 Jun 2020, 7:24 pm)Big O wrote Was on the GNE website today, I must say the update is fantastic. I was just looking at the Cobalt & Coast timetables, and I was really impressed by the frequency levels among those three routes. Really positive to see it retaining a high frequency throughout the day. GNE really lead the way up here..The Cobalt & Coast routes will be in a strong position going forward. Arriva will no doubt pull the X6 (most routes & connections available with GNE / Stagecoach) and Stagecoach may even scale back the 1 & 22.
The Coast Road is another story too as Arriva will have to downsize and consolidate to get their fleet quality & standardization under control.
(03 Jun 2020, 6:55 pm)Storx wrote I have to disagree here, the X21 isn't a flagship route (profit wise) unlike the X9/X10. it just got new buses as the old ones we're knackered. It definitely doesn't deserve new buses again, the fact is can't hold a night service shows that it isn't one of the most profitable services. Plus the X9/X10 is a totally different route to the X21 and they're only getting replacements as they're wrecked from putting a city bus up and down a 70mph road all day. The X30/31/45/46/47 deserve new buses for once and are arguably more important routes than the X21 which have always generally had new buses on especially the Red Kite's but are getting on a bit now.I'd have to disagree about the X21.Whilst it was initially launched as a supplementary route, usage has grown to an extent now that it could be considered as a major route. Ok in the short term, GNE have had to scale back the frequency as well as the later journeys (X30 & X70 late journeys also affected so not just an X21 problem). I think going forward that if demand returns, perhaps a 20 minute frequency may be suitable with a 20/40 split to W.Auckland.