(12 Feb 2024, 7:22 pm)V514DFT wrote When the X7/X8 was the X4/X5, even the 363/364, they always went via Station Road/Northumbrian Way and through Westmoor that way, i understand the rerouting as it was covered by the 52/53/54 (in parts), but now an arguement could be made to send them back that way again now that Arriva no longer run those services
Only the 363/364 done that route, the X24/X25 went direct from Annitsford straight to South Gosforth pretty much. I believe they changed it though as it was quicker the route it goes now - used to be traffic problems in West Moor aswell. It was only after 2016 or so when they pissed about with Sandy Lane which now backs onto the roundabout when it got worse, which miraculously they've made even worse with the traffic lights.
I believe the 52/54 were formed when they went with the absolute crackjack idea of sending the X4/X5 via Gosforth and the Freeman respectively which went down like a lead balloon. I must admit, I never really returned since and always go for a bus or lift to the Metro and in that way instead as it's just as quick. Horrific decision and one they were pretty much forced to do.
The 52 was the 340/342, the 53 - 343/344 and the 54 - 356 before all the pissing about though, guessing you know that though.