(17 Jun 2023, 9:32 am)L469 YVK wrote For Ashington, if Arriva can target the areas where it'll be more difficult to reach Ashington train station within walking distance, they should be able to survive the ABTRL. Newbiggin to Newcastle for instance could do with a faster service to compliment the X21. Plus plenty of new developments on the X22 between Bedlington and Choppington.
As for Consett, X70 lost. But for the X45, it's effectively the same capacity using double deckers, as the 45/46 was running every 15 mins using single deckers before July 2019. Same goes for the X30/X31 which used to be every 15 mins using single deckers before November 2019, not long before covid. Maybe the introduction of X-Lines was a similar concept to Arriva's Sapphire to try and create growth? Just unfortunately came at the wrong time.
On another note, with the 6 having it's frequency cut, is this not a good time for Durham CC, Arriva and GNE to look at Enhanced Partnerships around that area?
That's if you live in Consett though, there's loads of gaps all over the place ie:
- Medomsley and Leadgate no Sunday / evening service to Newcastle.
- Shotley Bridge lost direct links to Durham on X5/X15.
- Stanley lost direct link to Gateshead without going on a mystery tour.
- Numerous towns with reduced hourly service to Newcastle which is unusable for most people.
- Loss of M services reducing Metro Centre links from places like Annfield Plain - they have been a problem since the 43/44 days with more changes than a baby changes a nappy.
- Loss of 28 completely (now subsidised by council)
- Loss of Stanley locals (now subsidised by council)
Just to pick a few, it's all the same type of cuts as in Bishop Auckland, arguably worse, least the 6 is still 3 BPH and none of those stuff like x a village of 100 people lose their bus service.