We're all bus enthusiasts. We may not be great in number in society, and I think that's all the more reason for us not to argue and for us to be civil with one another instead where possible. I'm certainly not the most extroverted of people, but things like arguing about something that we're all trying to enjoy just saddens me really.
I had been a fairly active member on another bus forum a good few months ago, but the petty squabbling and the fear of being persecuted in case I said anything that didn't agree with the views of others wasn't much fun. I don't want this forum to end up in the same way and I don't want any members to feel that they can't mention something on here in case they get shot down in flames. I want this to be safe place.
The creator of this site, Liam, invited me to join this forum back in June I think it was. I was more than happy to give it a go. Six months down the line, I think we have a really great friendly community here and I think I can speak of behalf on all members on here that this is something we'd like to preserve.
Regarding the Sunderland-Middlesbrough service, I think this would be a great addition to the network if it ever came about. I think the problem in the past is that the service by Arriva (21A/31A) had been too long and wasn't really competitive with the journey times offered by the Northern Rail service (1 hour). The success of the existing X9/X10 could be due in part to it's similar journey times as the train, which is 1 hour 20 minutes.
I think it would be such a shame if the direct Sunderland-Newcastle service was cut. This would leave many people out on a limb if they couldn't afford the £25 Metro Gold Card and can't face the long journey on the 56. As small amount £25 may seem to some people, a lot of folk may struggle with the upfront cost of this. My grand-parents for one are regular users of the X3 from Sunderland to Newcastle. They don't feel safe on the Metro and the X3 takes them all the way to Eldon Square which they love. Going back to cbm06's suggestion about a fast Sunderland-Peterlee service via New Seaham, if this was incorporated into an extended X3 south from Sunderland, you'd be attracting potential passengers from the likes of Easington too. Go North East operate fairly intensive network of local buses around the Peterlee area in the East Durham brand. It would be great to see a faster alternative than the X35 for onwards travel to Sunderland.
That's a great idea Michael about the 36 and 42! I think Go North East could really capitalise on expanding their range of cross-city routes, especially with the opening of the mega-size Tesco at the Wheatsheaf this spring.
I would also like to see the cessation of the Pronto brand. I think re-numbering the X21 into OK21 with OK Expressway branding would be way smarter on the Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7's than the Pronto branding. I would also like to see improved connections at Bishop Auckland between X21 and OK1 too if it were possible. The OK1 seems to be getting nothing but praise since it's been extended to Middlesbrough. I would love to see the brand continue to expand.
NEB Admin Team
Unregistered
RE: Service Suggestions