(30 Jul 2024, 5:54 am)Aaron21 wrote You clearly don't get why they are doing it. The diversion they would be sent on would make them possible 10 to 20 minutes late so would be completely pointless running to North Shields and then running back even later which would send them via the diversionary route on the way back. There's nothing from Whitley Bay to North Shields via Rake Lane or Billy mill without a change of bus so can't see how the statement you mentioned (how much they're needed at North Shields end). Is in anyway relevant to what you're talking about. If nexus or arriva had of decided to cut that section then it would have happened ages ago but hasn't
If there's enough demand for the service then the service wouldn't be getting cut for 5 days regardless to a diversion.
If there was roadworks at CLS do you honestly think they'd just cut the 21 between Durham and CLS, no they'd add another bus and the council would pay for it as they're causing the diversion. The same way that when Seghill crossing or New Hartley crossings are closed they run shuttle buses to cover the affected parts.
Also to the reference in bold:
North Shields to Whitley Bay - 1/317
Rake Lane to Whitley Bay - 54/308/309/317
Rake Lane to North Shields - 317
Billy Mill to North Shields - 306/353
Billy Mill to Whitley Bay - 308
The links already exist, other areas ie. Chirton to NT Hospital don't have a service during the day anyway so are irrelevant.
The fact it exists is incompetence more than requirement imo and before going into why the 19 and 317 are both every 30 minutes at the same time while areas like Briardene have zero bus service at all.