(19 Nov 2023, 8:47 pm)L469 YVK wrote So I did some calculations of Arriva's proposed changes with some assumed running times. I got.....
- X21/35 - PVR 14x
- X22 - PVR 7x

Then...based on the following changes and some added time, I got a PVR of 17x. This would still leave 4x to play with for a new 42 and corresponding changes to the 43/44/45. Might actually end up not needing any of the 4x free but haven't worked anything out for the 42/43/44/45.

- X21 (every 30 mins) Same as proposal from Arriva interworking with 35. Now via Hartford Road rather than Nedderton.
* Changes to and from 35 at Cresswell Arms

- X22 (every 30 mins) Route unchanged.

- 35 (every 15 minutes) Same proposal from Arriva interworking with X21 (every 30 mins). Continues to Seacrest Rd and Woodhorn half-hourly as X21 with 15 minute frequency Morpeth > Newbiggin Cresswell Arms. Frequency increase would be a welcome improvement too!
* Changes to and from X21 at Cresswell Arms

Pattern
X22 ASH > NCL
X21 NCL > NBG CA
35 NBG CA > MOR
35 MOR > NBG CA
35 NBG CA > MOR
35 MOR > NBG CA
X21 NBG CA > NCL
X22 NCL > ASH

Not sure why you'd want to reduce the X21/X22, it's literally like 2 stops where they serve the same place. Nothing is happening in the Bedlington area to warrant a frequency reduction in that area and the 42 really is slowing the service down it would be substantially longer. You're literally punishing an area of Bedlington to make a quicker service for someone who lives near the train line.

The 43 is also badly needed in the future when the new housing developments to the South West of Cramlington are complete as it's the logical service to run through it. After the train line comes in, I could understand, but not yet.