(27 Dec 2023, 4:22 pm)L469 YVK wrote Not condoning if was meant in the perceieved way........Unless he was making reference to the NT hospital link? Which exactly the 317 does.
Ironically, the 'old' 44 was established not only as a 'fast' Coast Road bus, but because of the link to NT Hospital for any residents living in the Hazlerigg / Wideopen area who fell under Northumbria NHS rather than Newcastle.
Having used the 44 when i live in the Rigg for 30 years i've never heard this. Also wasn't the original route the 46 from polwarth drive to Whitley bay then they changed it to the 44 or did they both run at the same time. I was under the impression it was to duplicate Busways of running " through" town? it worked until they couldn't keep them to time and less people used the Whitley to Newcastle bit ( not sure why)