(07 Jan 2023, 11:22 am)Storx wrote Didn't want to drag other threads off topic but I think we can all agree that it's not working currently with bus services mostly carting around fresh air or doing the same thing which doesn't work for years especially in North Tyneside so it got me thinking of ways to improve it and came up with:

New 42 (Every 30 Minutes Monday to Saturday Day Times, Every Hour Sunday and Evenings)
North Shields - Royal Quays - East Howdon - Howdon - Holy Cross - Wallsend - West Street - Forest Hall - Killingworth Village - Killingworth
Map - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Killingw...90!1m0!3e0

New 50 (Every 30 Minutes Monday to Saturday Day Times, Every Hour Sunday and Evenings)
Whitley Bay - Whitley Lodge - Sainsbury's Whitley Bay - Earsdon - Shiremoor - Northumberland Park - Backworth - Killingworth - West Moor - Quorum - South Gosforth - Gosforth - Newcastle
Map - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/55.04191...dd!1m0!3e0

New 51 (Every 30 Minutes Monday to Saturday Day Times, Every Hour Sunday and Evenings)
North Shields - QA College - Preston - Tynemouth Morrisons - Malvern Road - NT Hospital - Cobalt - West Allotment - Holystone - ASDA Benton - Four Lane Ends - Longbenton - South Gosforth - Gosforth
Map - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/55.00869...9e!1m0!3e0

W1 - Current Timetable

342 - Renumbered 74, Killingworth to Newbiggin Hall only (Hourly)

317 - Withdrawn, replaced partially by 42 and 51
K2 - Withdrawn, replaced partially by 42 and 50
51 (need to discuss with Arriva) - Withdrawn, replaced partially by 50 and 51
335 - Withdrawn, replaced partially by 42, 50 and 51
W2 - Withdrawn, replaced by 50
54 (need to discuss with Arriva) - Withdrawn, replaced partially by 50 and 51

New PVR
50/51 - 10 (Full Size)
W1 - 1 (Breadvan)
42 - 5 (Mini Bus)
74 - 2 (Bread Van)

Old PVR
317 - 5 (Full Size)
51/54 - 5* (Full Size)
W1 - 1 (Breadvan)
W2 - 1 (Breadvan)
335 - 3 (Mini Bus)
342 - 3 (Mini Bus)
K2 - 1 (Breadvan)

So slight reduction in PVR, admit there's a few streets now unserved and Malvern Road looses it's bus to Whitley Bay but it's not exactly far to use other services less than 100m for most and would benefit for more people, some who have a dreadful service especially places like Murton Village, North West Whitley Bay, Benton Road, Holystone, West Allotment, Backworth etc where hourly services are a waste of time.

*Recent reduction

I think the 51 now interworks with the 43/44/45, hence more double deckers, don’t know what will happen from tomorrow though after revision.
My concern with your suggestion on the 51, you’re giving that part of the route which has fewer passengers a 30 minute frequency but withdrawing the direct bus to Newcastle for Wiltshire Drive and the still expanding housing of East Benton Rise which is the busier end. Rerouting the 311 would help in some way but East Benton Rise would be left with very little.
I agree the North Tyneside services are pretty poor but if anything, frequent services to interchanges with metro would probably help. I’ve found that using the less frequent bus to connect with Metro is fine but the return journey can be a nightmare if the train is late or waiting at the poorly served Wallsend Interchange for any length of time.