(07 Sep 2014, 2:30 pm)mb134 wrote But that was my reasoning behind it in the first place, to improve reliability to the X18, if that's going through Amble on its way to Alnwick and its 15 minutes late, for example, the last thing it going to want is a boat load of people going to work. Now if the 20 was extended not only would there be less people from Morpeth (people from Ashington in reality) there would be less from Amble also, improving reliability and if it's on time more often, more people from Morpeth etc. would be inclined to use the X18 resulting in overall growth. Also, if people in Alnwick have the option of the X18, X15 and 20 (which will turn into the X20) to go to Newcastle then they may spread between the three again improving timekeeping.
I just think the X18 needs a more robust timetable as there are issues with timekeeping - but Northumberland isn't my area of expertise so I'm unsure what exactly is causing these problems. People closer to the area may know better.
However I'm not sure whether spreading the loadings over more services would be the answer? If they are leaving people behind then maybe that would be a good idea...