GNE should definitely consider upgrading the 309 to every 15 minutes between Whitley Bay and Blyth and also to every 30 minutes during the evenings as for the 310 too. Several people have been complaining about the 308 and people have even said that the only reason they get the 308 is because it operates every 15 minutes as opposed to 309. The better buses and better seating on the 309 would make a better option available and it would provide a cheap way to get to and back from Newcastle for people who live in Blyth with only the X10, X11 and X13 providing truly fast journey times between Blyth and Newcastle. Even people in Seaton Sluice would use the service more with an enhanced frequency. Also, if people fancied a spot of retail therapy, they would only have to purchase a two zone buzzfare with an easy connection onto the fast TEN service at Eldon Square.
With the exception of a few morning peak journeys to Newcastle where it wouldn't make a major difference if passengers alighted at St Mary's Place, the journey times are only 2 minutes or so slower than the 308 with all the extra comforts to go with the 309 and better reliability. Good PR and marketing such as posting leaflets through the door would really boost the service and my two suggestions above.
RE: Go North East Service Suggestions