(17 Oct 2024, 1:53 pm)Storx wrote See I don't think they do personally, the 309(X39) should be the service express imo with the 308 curtailed at Whitley Bay and going via Battle Hill.But the big problem is off peak. Agree about the Cobalt situation during peak times, but off peak would be a risk commercially and wouldn't capture much 'leisure' traffic.
I know the 308 in years past was the strongest, but at the same time there wasn't a huge business park there either and you just have to read the comments about the issues on the current X39 to see there's generally demand there even if it is only at peaks.
The 6 buses from Whitley Bay to Blyth is overkill aswell imo.
Via Billy Mill not only has fairly strong peak time flows, but has better leisure traffic opportunities.
- Nice day or event in Newcastle = Passengers wanting to head to Newcastle or the Coast and healthy loads
- NUFC home game = Queue of black & white shirts & scarves at stops with potential standing room only before hitting any non-stop sections