(20 Aug 2022, 6:06 pm)Unber43 wrote Overall I think what needs to be improved is the flexibility, for instance I should be able to catch the ealier morning X10 to Middlesbrough from Gateshead/Newcastle and in the other way aswell from Middlesbrough to Gateshead/Newcastle. And be able to chose whether to get the train or the X10 I think possibly the trains and GNE should possibly partner up with the X10 going via Central Station with either the X10/Train every 30 mins down key parts of the line. But you could also advertise the connects e.g X10/Train to Seaham/Dalton Park 5 min walk to 60/65 connect with Murton/Seaham/Ryhope. Or X10 Dalton Park connection with the 61 to Murton, 65 to Seaham which connects with the 60, or X10/Train to Peterlee/Horden with the 209/210 connecting with the 206 or 208.
Not sure I quite understand the points you're making, but in response:
- How early do you want the first X10 from Middlesbrough to Newcastle? First one gets in for 07.37 and it departs at 06.00. The first train doesn't get in until 08.05.
- People have got the choice to get the train or the X10. They're not forced to give their business to one operator over another?
- Why would GNE run a bus from Eldon Square to Central Station in partnership, that then goes on to Middlesbrough empty, because they've all jumped onto the train? It'd never work as a two-way partnership, because one mode is much more convenient than the other.
- Again with the Seaham/Dalton Park connections, I'm not sure why GNE would decimate their business on the Ryhope Road by offloading customers on to the train? I'm all for providing and advertising connections for onward journeys, but decimating your own business is a bit of a far stretch.
I do think there's room for partnership, but under the current model for buses and wider public transport, it isn't going to happen. They're all businesses with the aim to make money, and what you're suggesting is akin to a pub putting a sign on their door, telling people to go to the supermarket instead.
If we had a proper system of integration, then I think there is room for integration of bus and rail, but it should be to compliment each other. Buses to provide links to key stations for onward travel, in a similar vein to how Plusbus works. Having buses and trains running side by side, in some attempt of partnership, seems like a lot of wasted energy.