But it does re-instate a direct link from that area and Red House to Boldon ASDA which hasn't existed for almost a decade so hopefully that would be appreciated. If I'm still living where I am by June then I'd definitely be using X36 to travel home (I don't think it would be operating early enough for me on a morning based on current X3 times).
For me, choice between Metro or Bus (not 56!), it would always have to be the bus. I find 30 minutes standing a tad too long when it gets packed during the peaks - the cars are noisy and not relaxing by any means. At least on a bus you've a good chance of getting seat and reading if you want to.
For some reason I remember this little thing Go North East had going on where people write in telling them why they travel with Go North East and why they love their bus service. This one woman won the competition and got a free BuzzFare I think. I remember her talking about the 57A service, "although it's not the quickest way between South Shields and Newcastle, it allows me to sit back and relax and enjoy my book on the way to work" or something along those lines.
The train trumps the bus and Metro anyday though. Although only hourly with extra journeys during the peaks, the journey time is only 20 minutes - much faster than Metro (30 minutes), X3 (just inside an hour) and 56 (well over an hour). You've a much better chance of getting a seat (and the relative luxury of a Class 156 if you know the workings
) than compared to Metro.I agree with Ollie though about re-routing at least one of 36 or X36 back through Witherwack; preferably X36 because 99 is already providing links to Castletown etc. If there's time too, have the 36 routed around Clacton Road in Hylton Castle once again. What Go North East are lacking in North Sunderland though is a decent evening/Sunday service. The only services on that map that would be operating on an evening/Sunday would be the 9 and 26(A)
