(05 Dec 2022, 4:16 pm)Shrek wrote I'd avoid the area tonight then. Apart from the 8.25pm 44, the rest of the 44s and 45s after 7pm are cancelled according to the signs in the Haymarket.Sorry but that's outrageous! Even a two hourly service would be better than nothing!
Going to cost Arriva big time including temporary solutions to get driver numbers where they need to be.
Simplest solution would be getting rid of the X8, dropping the 306/308 to every 20 mins each (taking out of Battle Hill would further reduce PVR to 14x) and re-routing the 43 via High Pit, Annitsford and Fern Drive. 1x per hour continues via current X8 route to Blyth and other to Morpeth. X10/X11/52 cover Dudley Lane in most part.
Current PVRs (Mon-Fri) = 49x
- 306/308 - 18x
- 43/44/45 - 9x
- X7/X8/X9 - 14x
- X10/X11 - 8x
New PVRs = 42x
- 306/308 - 14x
- 43/44/45 - 11x
- X7/X9/X10/X11 - 17x
Furthermore, giving up the 685 and Stagecoach full operating would reduce the PVR requirement by a further 2-3x.
Okay not ideal the hourly 43 route from Blyth but low usage and passengers can change in Cramlington if wanting quicker. Likewise for the 306, Newcastle to Battle Hill covered by GNE and North Shields & West Chirton to Battle Hill also covered by 310. Only a short walk in most instances too from St Peters' off the Coast Road if not near the 310.