(03 Jul 2014, 7:20 pm)aureolin wrote Used the X1 and the 4 a couple of times today. It's notable that the 4 is a completely different service between the Galleries and Heworth, as it is from the Galleries to Houghton. I done the Galleries to Houghton stretch twice, and there was never an instance where passenger numbers went in to double figures. In contrast, both trips to Heworth the other day, and there was standing room only. It's the same story with the X1, although it does get into double figures from the Galleries to Easington Lane stretch. Between Newcastle and the Galleries there's barely a seat in sight.
I'd suggest that the Newcastle to Galleries section of the X1 needs to have an increased frequency, but the issue at present is that it would require more buses. My suggestion would be to do something like the following:
X1 - Current route - remains unchanged. To operate every 20 minutes during the day between Easington Lane and Newcastle.
X2 - Washington Galleries - Springwell - Wrekenton - QE Hospital - Gateshead - Newcastle (Limited Stop). To operate every 7 minutes during the day.
The current X1 at the 10 minute frequency takes just over an hour end to end. Newcastle to Washington Galleries takes around 30. I reckon by making these changes, it'd provide a better frequency where required, and also have a financial benefit by fact the PVR can be decreased.
The 4 can (and does) get packed at times on the southern section.
Like other services, I feel it will be dependent on the time of day.
The southern section also has the 2a/2c and 8 in part which can dilute numbers between the services.
The northern section seems to vary too, with a lot of passengers travelling on the parts between Galleries & Concord (guessing they use the 4 over a W or M service or an infrequent 50) and Concord & Heworth (quickest route again?).
Maybe there is the need for a peak time dupe or short run between certain points?