I think a big part of the reason why the 308 is constantly running late even off peak is beause it's not timed correctly and even more so because it gets too many passengers. It will even still run late Blyth bound from Newcastle Mon to Fri peak on the new timetable because Arriva still aren't taking into account the following factors Newcastle bound during Pm peaks:

- Schools
- Norham Road junction
- Silverlink Junction
- Between Station Road and Newcastle

I know GNE have issues due to the Cobalt causing some 309 / 310 buses from Newcastle to run late (which they'll hopefully solve in March) and that is mainly North Tyneside Council's fault for poor infrastructure planning but apart from normal levels of traffic at peak times, there are no real infrastructure issues affecting the 308. It's merely down to poor planning by Arriva and Arriva don't have two ways fitted either causing problems from the Newcastle end.