(03 May 2014, 11:50 am)Andreos Constantopolous wrote With GNE keen to protect their territory in Silksworth and passengers seemingly preferring the 35 options over the 42, I wondered if a 35/42 circular service could be introduced or divert the x35 via Silksworth.
idea 1:
35a - current route to Barnes Park and follow the route of the 20/a to The Board Inn. From the Board Inn, left towards Farringdon and pick up current 35a route back to Shields. Peak times extends to Rainton Bridge still.
42 operates current route to Silksworth.
idea 2:
35a - as current route to Silksworth, but operate 42 route back to Park Lane/Sunderland from Silksworth before continuing to Shields. Peak time still extends to Rainton Bridge.
42 - Current 42 route to Silksworth. Reverse via 35a route.
idea 3:
x35 diverted via Silksworth from/to Doxford Park rather than use Durham Road.
Obviously this leaves a gap in service between Herrington and Houghton and to the various destinations, which would need filling somehow - such as extending the 71 back to Sunderland via Burnside Estate, Herrington and Durham Road.
For idea 3 why not extend the 238 into Chester from Houghton and Withdraw the 71, or would that still leave gap from the re-routing of the X35.