(26 Mar 2014, 11:23 pm)AdamY wrote I get the point you're trying to make but I really don't think that the 57/58 have that much in common.
They share similar routes between Newcastle and Split Crow Road before diverging. Both routes then converge on Woodburn towards Staneway (where they briefly diverge again) before heading down Wealcroft to Fewster Square then onto Meresyde. After Meresyde, the two routes split with the 57 going to Wardley; and the 58 to Heworth.
As I don't use the 57 (I think the last time I used it was around 15 years ago) I have no idea what passenger numbers are like so there may well be some scope for improvement. However, I have delivered to houses around Beacon Lough Estate and the housing is quite dense. From this I'd assume that the 57 was reasonably well used by residents of the estate.
If the routes were changed what would you suggest? - I really can't think of anything which wouldn't add extra time onto either route.
Putting the 57 into the Citylink Brand alongside the 58 would be a Good Idea I think as the 57 will receive New Buses later this Year, As for Route Changes i'm not to sure what to do with them really.
57/57A - Wardley - Heworth - Leam Lane Estate - Beacon Lough Estate - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Gateshead - Newcastle - Coast Road - Battle Hill Drive - Hadrian Park - Howdon - Wallsend - Byker - Newcastle - Gateshead - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Beacon Lough Estate - Leam Lane Estate - Heworth - Wardley
Would work a Clockwise/Anti Clockwise Loop Every 30 Minutes in Both Directions - Every 15 Minutes Combined between Newcastle - Hadrian Park - Wallsend - Byker - Newcastle
58/58A - Heworth - Leam Lane Estate - Felling Square - Deckham - Gateshead - Newcastle - Byker - Wallsend - Howdon - Cobalt - Willington Square - Newcastle - Gateshead - Deckham - Felling Square - Leam Lane Estate - Heworth
Would work a Clockwise/Anti Clockwise Loop Every 20 Minutes in Both Directions - Every 10 Minutes Combined between Newcastle - Cobalt - Wallsend - Byker - Newcastle