(17 Jul 2023, 10:39 am)Adrian wrote I don't think the comparison is too dissimilar. The network on both sides of the Tyne, formed of buses, Metro and Rail, is not a bad service at all. In my example above, I quoted somewhere the size of Newburn having a 10 minute frequency to the town, with a journey time of just over 15 minutes. 

There's always ways to improve transport networks and infrastructure, but I really don't think the suggestion of more services on the river does that. In the places you quote East of Gateshead as potential landing spots, you've probably answered your own question; they're a short walk from several Metro stations. When the maximum journey time on that section (from Shields) is about 25 minutes, I don't think you're going to beat that across the River. Even still, the Metro gets you into the centre of Newcastle, whereas landing at the Quayside is either a steep walk up or a bus ride if you have mobility issues. 

But this is assuming that everyone is travelling to or from town or city centres. 
Just like bus operators do. 

We all know that's not the case.

You mentioned St Peters yesterday and the poor numbers of people using the bus when you've been on it. 
Where are those people going? If it's the town, they're clearly not using the bus.

Those people in Newburn you mention. Where else can they get to using public transport?
It's alright saying they've got a frequent bus in to the town, but it doesn't solve any other issues at all. It probably does impact on the widening of the A1 at the top of their street though and the issues with traffic along Scotswood Road.

Where are people in Hebburn working? Is it just places on a bus route or metro line? Of course not.

Imagine you're living in Smiths Dock, how easy is it to get to somewhere such as the Sage or anywhere on the quayside?

The road network is as knackered as the bus network.
We need to look at alternatives. The river can be an alternative and as long as it is timed, priced and operated effectively (integrating with road and rail like the example I shared in the Netherlands), I see absolutely no reason why it can't be part of the solution.