(21 Aug 2017, 12:29 am)Acky81 wrote X60 parkside-station road- new seaham-ryhope-tunstall bank estate- tunstall-doxford park-mill hill road-east herrington-shiney row- then direct to Washington galleries 

Black cats solo to be used to see if a success

Perhaps if the service could operate via Doxford International at Peak times as commuters usually change buses at Ryhope from the 60/61 routes to the 39/39A. Also I have noticed that this route is similar to the Nexus 37 service, this idea may work or it may not.

(21 Aug 2017, 9:40 am)S830OFT wrote Perhaps if the service could operate via Doxford International at Peak times as commuters usually change buses at Ryhope from the 60/61 routes to the 39/39A. Also I have noticed that this route is similar to the Nexus 37 service, this idea may work or it may not.

I personally think it's great for seaham to have a link to doxford and Washington

There used to be service prior to 2006 changes.

Service X90
Seaham-Ryhope-Doxford-washington-Newcastle

(23 Aug 2017, 5:58 pm)arriva64 wrote There used to be service prior to 2006 changes.

Service X90
Seaham-Ryhope-Doxford-washington-Newcastle

Should never of been axed

I think the x60 would work

I wonder if it would be worth extending the Allenheads journeys on the "Tynedale Links" 688 to Cowshill (around 8-10 minute journey) to connect with Weardale 101 to Stanhope and Bishop Auckland.

The current alternative route linking Allenheads and Cowshill is via Bishop Auckland, Newcastle and Hexham, so it would certainly reduce journey times between the two areas!

(01 Sep 2017, 9:54 am)BJ10VUS wrote I wonder if it would be worth extending the Allenheads journeys on the "Tynedale Links" 688 to Cowshill (around 8-10 minute journey) to connect with Weardale 101 to Stanhope and Bishop Auckland.

The current alternative route linking Allenheads and Cowshill is via Bishop Auckland, Newcastle and Hexham, so it would certainly reduce journey times between the two areas!

GNE seem very sensitive about entering Cumberland territory.

Just saying.

Does this reticence apply to Durham?

36S.
Runs on a Saturday morning only and ensures the board starting from Houghton just after 0900, is revenue earning between Chester and Houghton.

Omits Lumley and Avenue Vivienne, running along the main roads only.

As it stands, the bus runs light from Chester to Houghton, before dropping in at Houghton towards Sunderland.
It may as well pick up a few passengers along the way towards Houghton.

X8 - Stanley - Beamish - Pelton - Chester-le-Street - A1 Direct to Washington - Waterview Park - Enterprise Park - Hylton Riverside Retail Park - Sunderland

In order to improve reliability of the service 8 between Stanley and Sunderland, the service will operate non-stop between Chester-Le-Street and Washington Galleries cutting journey times by 12 Minutes across the route, the service will continue to operate every 30 minutes Monday to Saturdays and will be renumbered X8.

Passengers who use the current service 8 for stops at Fatfield, Harraton, Rickleton and Picktree Village can use new service 82/82A.

82/82A - Washington Galleries - Glebe - Harraton - Rickleton - Picktree Village - Chester-Le-Street - Pelton Fell - Grange Villa - Beamish - Pelton - Ouston - Birtley - Portobello - Ayton - Lambton - Washington Galleries

The existing 82 service will operate it's existing route between Washington Galleries and Birtley where it will head to Chester-Le-Street via Ouston and Beamish, before heading back to Washington Galleries via the current 8 route via Rickleton, Harraton and Fatfield. This will provide a circular service every 30 minutes in each direction Monday to Sundays.

Great that the X10 is now going to Dalton Park...

I would make one suggestion though.

We all know on it's busier days the A19 and it's approaches can get really clogged and backed up.

So when DP is busy

I suggest the X10 leaves the A19 at Seaton Lane and goes to Dalton Park via Deneside

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X1A. I can't help thinking that it isn't the best use of resources.

If I remember correctly, the vehicle ran light from Picktree to NPower and then picked up a 921.
On a morning, it did some sort of X1A/921 in the opposite direction.
That stopped and obviously Chester have it now.

Would Chester be better off using the vehicle on a 21 or X21 to assist on the Durham Road corridor?
? Even reintroducing a version of the 726, so that those in Picktree who use it - still have a peak bus to/from Newcastle.
It is generally empty on an evening ex-Newcastle, once beyond the Galleries. But can pick up decent loads between those two points. If it extended beyond Fatfield towards Houghton or Shiney Row, I wonder if it would assist loads.

So:
21a
Newcastle - Chester via Picktree - runs 1x return peak journey via Low Fell, Birtley, Vigo Lane and Picktree.
Utilises Green Gemini.


X4
Newcastle - Houghton - runs 1x return peal journey via Old Durham Road, Galleries, Fatfield, Washington Highway, Shiney Row and current 4 route to Houghton.
No fixed vehicle allocation, so operates via Highway between Shiney and Fatfield incase decker needs to be allocated.

56A/56B - Newcastle City Centre - Gateshead - Q.E. Hospital - Beacon Lough - Whitehills - Leam Lane Estate - Wardley - Boldon Asda - Town End Farm - Hylton Castle - Castletown - Southwick - Wheatsheaf - Sunderland City Centre

This new service will replace the existing 35/36 between Boldon and Sunderland City Centre and will operate up to every 10 minutes between Sunderland City Centre and Boldon Asda, with an extended service to Newcastle every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday, every 30 minutes across the entire route on a Sunday and Bank Holidays.


35 - Sunderland City Centre - Royal Hospital - Barnes Park - Silksworth - Doxford Park Shops - East Herrington - Newbottle - Houghton-le-Spring - Fencehouses - Great Lumley - Chester-le-Street

36 - The Docks - Sunderland City Centre - Royal Hospital - Barnes Park - Silksworth - Doxford International - East Herrington - Newbottle - Houghton-le-Spring - Hetton Downs - Hetton-le-Hole - Low Moorsley


Services 35/36 will merge with services 33/33A operating up to every 10 minutes combined Monday to Saturday, and up to every 30 minutes on a Sunday and Bank Holidays with a new Hourly service on the 36 on a Sunday.

Some Suggestions:

*New* 51: Seaburn Morrisons - Fullwell The Grange - East Boldon - Boldon Asda - Wardley - Heworth Interchange - Felling Square - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Low Fell - Team Valley - Whickham - Blaydon - Winlaton.

This service will operate hourly Monday to Sunday, it will operate via East Boldon and Boldon Asda providing a new service to Gateshead areas. It will reach Wardley by coming off the A184 and complete the withdrawn 69 route. It won't serve Fewster Square, instead serve Heworth Interchange.

*NEW* 52: Washington Galleries - Barmston - Peel Retail Park - Concord - High Usworth - Follingsby - Fewster Square - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Deckham - Bensham - Dunston - Metrocentre.

This service will operate operate every hour Monday to Sunday, it will operate via Peel Retail Park and Concord providing new connections to Metrocentre. This service will allow the withdrawl of service 67 and 84. The service will serve Dunston instead of Askew Road and will not serve Wardley or Heworth. On Evenings and Sundays the service will continue to only operate between Metrocentre and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Service 83: This service will be revised to operate every 30 minutes with services 81/82 withdrawn. This will allow the section between Concord and Birtley to have a service up to every 30 minutes. Although between Concord and Washington services 52 and 83 will combine to give a Every 15 Minutes Frequency.

Service 85/86 - Renamed 'The Orbit'
Concord - Sulgrave - Glover - Peel Retail Park - Waterview Park - Teal Farm - Barmston Court - Biddick - Washington Galleries - Armstrong Industrial Estate - Blackfell - Usworth - Concord Bus Station.
These services will operate as a Loop and serve Washington. They will operate every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday, service 85 will operate clockwise, whilst service 86 will operate Anti Clockwise.

PVR:
51: 4 - 8306 - 8309
52: 3 - 686 - 688
83: 4 - 682 - 685
85/86: 4 - 701 - 704

690 - Durham Rail Station - Durham Bus Station - Chester-Le-Street - Pelton Fell - Grange Villa - Beamish - Sunniside - Whickham - Intu MetroCentre - Denton Burn - Throckley - Heddon-On-The-Wall - Wylam - Ovingham - Corebridge - Hexham

This new service will provide cross-regional links to various tourist and retail locations and will replace the X22 which will be withdrawn.

(05 Nov 2017, 1:36 pm)Malarkey wrote 690 - Durham Rail Station - Durham Bus Station - Chester-Le-Street - Pelton Fell - Grange Villa - Beamish - Sunniside - Whickham - Intu MetroCentre - Denton Burn - Throckley - Heddon-On-The-Wall - Wylam - Ovingham - Corebridge - Hexham

This new service will provide cross-regional links to various tourist and retail locations and will replace the X22 which will be withdrawn.

sunniside and whickham don't need any more links. X22 serves Birtley from Barkow Mow to Coach and Horses and is well used. Don't say can use any bus to Gateshead and change as that would be adding more passengers to an already under served area.

1: Reduced to Every 30 Minutes, There will be 4 buses an hour between Wallsend and Gateshead with service 1 and 11 combined. Also service Q3 as well. There will be a Every 15 minutes service between North Shields and Whitley Bay with service 1 and 9 combined. Service 9 will continue to Blyth allowing new Links from Sunderland, Jarrow and Blyth. There will be 6 Go North East Buses an hour between Whitley Bay and Blyth with combined 9 and 309.

9: Blyth - Seaton Sluice - Whitley Bay - Tynemouth - North Shields - Percy Main - Tyne Tunnel - Jarrow - Fellgate - Boldon Asda - East Boldon - Fulwell The Grange - Sunderland City Centre - Barnes - Silksworth. This service will operate every 30 minutes 7 days a week, also operate as a Cross City Service. This service will be extended to Whitley Bay and Silksworth. There will be a Every 15 minutes service between North Shields and Whitley Bay with service 1 and 9 combined. Service 9 will continue to Blyth allowing new Links from Sunderland, Jarrow and Blyth. There will be 6 Go North East Buses an hour between Whitley Bay and Blyth with combined 9 and 309.

33: The Docks - Sunderland City Centre - Chester Road - Royal Hospital - Barnes - Silksworth - Doxford International - A690 - Newbottle - Houghton - Le - Spring.
This service will be revised to operate hourly, although will be extended to serve Doxford International, Newbottle and Houghton - Le - Spring. The route will cut off from the A690, alike the old 71 service. This Service will act as a replacement service for service 35/36, also allowing a new fast link between Royal Hospital and Silksworth. This service will operate hourly Mon - Sat daytimes.

33A: The Docks - Sunderland City Centre - Chester Road - Royal Hospital - Barnes - Durham Road Shops - Lakeside Village - Silksworth. This service will be revised to continue operating hourly, however will serve the Royal Hospital and Lakeside Village. This service will allow new links from the Docks to the Royal Hospital, also create a New Go North East service to Lakeside Village. This Service will act as a replacement service for service 35/36, also allowing a new fast link between Royal Hospital and Silksworth. This service will operate Mon - Sat Daytimes.

35: Low Moorsley - Hetton Interchange - Hetton Downes - Houghton - Le - Spring - Newbottle - Herrington The Burn - East Herrington - Durham Road Shops - Barnes - Sunderland City Centre.  This service will be reduced to A hourly service with some revisions. One of which is the service will no longer serve Royal Hospital, this section is covered by services 33/33A. This service will rube on Sundays!

35A: Withdrawn - Replaced by service 9, 35, 61.

36: Chester - Le - Street - Great Lumley - Fence Houses - Houghton - Le - Spring - Newbottle - Herrington Burn - East Herrington - Doxford Park - Tunstall Bank - Esdale Estate - Hollycarside - Leechmere Asda - Ashbrooke - Sunderland City Centre - Stadium Of Light - Castletown. This service will continue to operate every 30 minutes, although will no longer serve Barnes or Silksworth. This service will additionaly serve Doxford Park, Tunstall Bank, Hollycarside and Leechmere. This service will replace service 38 and 238.

38: Withdrawn - Replaced by revised service 36.

61: Murton - Dalton Park - Seaham The Mill Inn - Ryhope Village - Grangetown - Sunderland Interchange - Southwick The Green - Castletown - Town End Farm - Boldon Asda/Cinema. This service will be extended to Boldon Cinema, replacing service 35 and 35A. This service will be revised to operate every 20 minutes 7 Days A Week!
PVR:
1: -  8 (5261 - 68) - 5269/70 Are Spare
9: - 8 (5325 - 32) - 5337/38 Are Spare
33: 2 (689/690)
33A: 1 (681)
35: 2 (4990/91) 4992 Spare
36: 8 (8319 - 26) No Spare
61: 9 (5305 - 09, 33 - 36) - 5337/38 Are Spare
5251, 52, 71, 72, 73, 74 - Transfer to Chester - Le - Street for the Waggonway 28. 5274 will be Spare for the service.
5212/13 - Transfer to Washington releasing 5337/38 to Deptford. 4937 is Withdrawn. 5208/11 Transfer to Riverside allowing 2 older Solars to be withdrawn. 4969/76 Transfer to Chester - Le - Street as spares replacing 8325/26.

Would like to see service 61 extended to Jarrow replacing service 9.
Also service 60 extended from town to South Shields replacing the 20 between town and South Shields and have service 20 only between Durham and Sunderland to help with delays in the service, also withdraw the 20 from hall lane estate and run the 35 via hall lane estate.


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Some night bus suggestions which maybe viable with a few services merged together.

N1 - Easington Lane - Hetton-le-Hole - Houghton-le-Spring - Grasswell - Newbottle - Shiney Row - Fatfield - Glebe - Washington Galleries - Springwell Village - Wrekenton - Gateshead - Newcastle

N2 - Heworth - Usworth - Concord - Barmston - Washington Village - Biddick - Washington Galleries - Lambton - Harraton - Shiney Row - Hastings Hill - Grindon - Pennywell - Royal Hospital - Sunderland - Grangetown - Hollycarrside - Ryhope - Silksworth

N10 - Hexham - Corbridge - Riding Mill - Branch End - Prudhoe - Crawcrook - Ryton - Blaydon - Metrocentre - Newcastle

N11 - Whitley Bay - Marden - Tynemouth - North Shields - Howden - Wallsend - Byker - Newcastle - Gateshead - Bensham - Lobley Hill - Whickham - Fellside Park - Swalwell - intu Metrocentre 

N16 - Castleside - Consett - Stanley - South Stanley - Craghead - Edmondsley - Sacriston - New College Durham - University Hospital of North Durham - Durham City Centre

N20 - Durham – Gilesgate Moor – Belmont – West Rainton – East Rainton – Hall Lane Estate – Houghton-le-Spring – East Herrington – Sunderland – Fulwell – Cleadon – Harton Nook – South Shields

N27 - South Shields - Chichester - Tyne Dock - Jarrow - Hebburn - Monkton Lane - Heworth - Sunderland Road - Gateshead - Newcastle

N39 - Blyth - Rotary Way - South Beach - Seaton Sluice - Whitley Bay - North Tyneside Hospital -  North Shields - West Chirton - Battle Hill Drive - Coast Road - Cradlewell - Newcastle

N45 - Newcastle - Teams - Metrocentre - Swalwell - Rowlands Gill - Ebchester - Shotley Bridge - Blackhill - Consett - Number One - Blackhill - Shotley Bridge - Bridgehill - Pemberton Road - Consett 
 
N46 - Newcastle - Teams - Metrocentre - Swalwell - Rowlands Gill - Ebchester - Shotley Bridge - Blackhill - Consett - Leadgate - Bradley Bungelows - Hat and Feather - Medomesley - The Dene

N50 - Durham - Framwellgate Moor - Arnison Centre - Plawsworth - Waldridge Park - Chester-le-Street - Ayton - Washington Galleries - Concord - Nissan - Boldon - West Harton - South Shields

N53/N54 - Newcastle - Bensham Road - Saltwell Park - Coatsworth Road - Gateshead - Deckham - Felling Square - Leam Lane Estate - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Wrekenton - Harlow Green - Low Fell - Gateshead - Newcastle

N57 - Wardley - Ellen Wilkinson Estate - Heworth - Leam Lane Estate - Whitehills Estate - Beacon Lough Estate - Queen Elizabeth - Hospital - Gateshead - Newcastle - Coast Road - Battle Hill - Hadrian Park

N60 - Murton - Parkside - Dawdon - Seaham - New Seaham - Ryhope - Grangetown - Sunderland - Southwick - Castletown - Town End Farm

N78 - Consett - Leadgate - Greencroft - Annfield Plain - Stanley - Pelton - Chester-le-Street - Great Lumley - Shiney Row - Hastings Hill - Chester Road - Sunderland

(24 Dec 2017, 7:17 pm)Malarkey wrote Some night bus suggestions which maybe viable with a few services merged together.

N1 - Easington Lane - Hetton-le-Hole - Houghton-le-Spring - Grasswell - Newbottle - Shiney Row - Fatfield - Glebe - Washington Galleries - Springwell Village - Wrekenton - Gateshead - Newcastle

N2 - Heworth - Usworth - Concord - Barmston - Washington Village - Biddick - Washington Galleries - Lambton - Harraton - Shiney Row - Hastings Hill - Grindon - Pennywell - Royal Hospital - Sunderland - Grangetown - Hollycarrside - Ryhope - Silksworth

N10 - Hexham - Corbridge - Riding Mill - Branch End - Prudhoe - Crawcrook - Ryton - Blaydon - Metrocentre - Newcastle

N11 - Whitley Bay - Marden - Tynemouth - North Shields - Howden - Wallsend - Byker - Newcastle - Gateshead - Bensham - Lobley Hill - Whickham - Fellside Park - Swalwell - intu Metrocentre 

N16 - Castleside - Consett - Stanley - South Stanley - Craghead - Edmondsley - Sacriston - New College Durham - University Hospital of North Durham - Durham City Centre

N20 - Durham – Gilesgate Moor – Belmont – West Rainton – East Rainton – Hall Lane Estate – Houghton-le-Spring – East Herrington – Sunderland – Fulwell – Cleadon – Harton Nook – South Shields

N27 - South Shields - Chichester - Tyne Dock - Jarrow - Hebburn - Monkton Lane - Heworth - Sunderland Road - Gateshead - Newcastle

N39 - Blyth - Rotary Way - South Beach - Seaton Sluice - Whitley Bay - North Tyneside Hospital -  North Shields - West Chirton - Battle Hill Drive - Coast Road - Cradlewell - Newcastle

N45 - Newcastle - Teams - Metrocentre - Swalwell - Rowlands Gill - Ebchester - Shotley Bridge - Blackhill - Consett - Number One - Blackhill - Shotley Bridge - Bridgehill - Pemberton Road - Consett 
 
N46 - Newcastle - Teams - Metrocentre - Swalwell - Rowlands Gill - Ebchester - Shotley Bridge - Blackhill - Consett - Leadgate - Bradley Bungelows - Hat and Feather - Medomesley - The Dene

N50 - Durham - Framwellgate Moor - Arnison Centre - Plawsworth - Waldridge Park - Chester-le-Street - Ayton - Washington Galleries - Concord - Nissan - Boldon - West Harton - South Shields

N53/N54 - Newcastle - Bensham Road - Saltwell Park - Coatsworth Road - Gateshead - Deckham - Felling Square - Leam Lane Estate - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Wrekenton - Harlow Green - Low Fell - Gateshead - Newcastle

N57 - Wardley - Ellen Wilkinson Estate - Heworth - Leam Lane Estate - Whitehills Estate - Beacon Lough Estate - Queen Elizabeth - Hospital - Gateshead - Newcastle - Coast Road - Battle Hill - Hadrian Park

N60 - Murton - Parkside - Dawdon - Seaham - New Seaham - Ryhope - Grangetown - Sunderland - Southwick - Castletown - Town End Farm

N78 - Consett - Leadgate - Greencroft - Annfield Plain - Stanley - Pelton - Chester-le-Street - Great Lumley - Shiney Row - Hastings Hill - Chester Road - Sunderland

You got more night buses out than they have during the day 

Mind surprised you got one going through Lambton.....

(24 Dec 2017, 7:17 pm)Malarkey wrote Some night bus suggestions which maybe viable with a few services merged together.

N1 - Easington Lane - Hetton-le-Hole - Houghton-le-Spring - Grasswell - Newbottle - Shiney Row - Fatfield - Glebe - Washington Galleries - Springwell Village - Wrekenton - Gateshead - Newcastle

N2 - Heworth - Usworth - Concord - Barmston - Washington Village - Biddick - Washington Galleries - Lambton - Harraton - Shiney Row - Hastings Hill - Grindon - Pennywell - Royal Hospital - Sunderland - Grangetown - Hollycarrside - Ryhope - Silksworth

N10 - Hexham - Corbridge - Riding Mill - Branch End - Prudhoe - Crawcrook - Ryton - Blaydon - Metrocentre - Newcastle

N11 - Whitley Bay - Marden - Tynemouth - North Shields - Howden - Wallsend - Byker - Newcastle - Gateshead - Bensham - Lobley Hill - Whickham - Fellside Park - Swalwell - intu Metrocentre 

N16 - Castleside - Consett - Stanley - South Stanley - Craghead - Edmondsley - Sacriston - New College Durham - University Hospital of North Durham - Durham City Centre

N20 - Durham – Gilesgate Moor – Belmont – West Rainton – East Rainton – Hall Lane Estate – Houghton-le-Spring – East Herrington – Sunderland – Fulwell – Cleadon – Harton Nook – South Shields

N27 - South Shields - Chichester - Tyne Dock - Jarrow - Hebburn - Monkton Lane - Heworth - Sunderland Road - Gateshead - Newcastle

N39 - Blyth - Rotary Way - South Beach - Seaton Sluice - Whitley Bay - North Tyneside Hospital -  North Shields - West Chirton - Battle Hill Drive - Coast Road - Cradlewell - Newcastle

N45 - Newcastle - Teams - Metrocentre - Swalwell - Rowlands Gill - Ebchester - Shotley Bridge - Blackhill - Consett - Number One - Blackhill - Shotley Bridge - Bridgehill - Pemberton Road - Consett 
 
N46 - Newcastle - Teams - Metrocentre - Swalwell - Rowlands Gill - Ebchester - Shotley Bridge - Blackhill - Consett - Leadgate - Bradley Bungelows - Hat and Feather - Medomesley - The Dene

N50 - Durham - Framwellgate Moor - Arnison Centre - Plawsworth - Waldridge Park - Chester-le-Street - Ayton - Washington Galleries - Concord - Nissan - Boldon - West Harton - South Shields

N53/N54 - Newcastle - Bensham Road - Saltwell Park - Coatsworth Road - Gateshead - Deckham - Felling Square - Leam Lane Estate - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Wrekenton - Harlow Green - Low Fell - Gateshead - Newcastle

N57 - Wardley - Ellen Wilkinson Estate - Heworth - Leam Lane Estate - Whitehills Estate - Beacon Lough Estate - Queen Elizabeth - Hospital - Gateshead - Newcastle - Coast Road - Battle Hill - Hadrian Park

N60 - Murton - Parkside - Dawdon - Seaham - New Seaham - Ryhope - Grangetown - Sunderland - Southwick - Castletown - Town End Farm

N78 - Consett - Leadgate - Greencroft - Annfield Plain - Stanley - Pelton - Chester-le-Street - Great Lumley - Shiney Row - Hastings Hill - Chester Road - Sunderland

Which ones are the viable ones then? 

I can't see why you'd have an N50, when there is not enough justification to run it out of Durham after 6pm? It only runs between Chester-le-Street and Shields on an evening, because it is secured.

X1/10/27... you may be able to stick a later run or two in (like they have done with the X1 recently), but I can't see them becoming a night bus anytime soon. 

Your best bet are ironically the two you've missed off, i.e. an extension to an already established N21/N56 - or out of the town and right through Gateshead to be specific. I can't see there being much demand beyond Wrekenton or Harlow Green...

(24 Dec 2017, 7:48 pm)Adrian wrote Which ones are the viable ones then? 

I can't see why you'd have an N50, when there is not enough justification to run it out of Durham after 6pm? It only runs between Chester-le-Street and Shields on an evening, because it is secured.

X1/10/27... you may be able to stick a later run or two in (like they have done with the X1 recently), but I can't see them becoming a night bus anytime soon. 

Your best bet are ironically the two you've missed off, i.e. an extension to an already established N21/N56 - or out of the town and right through Gateshead to be specific. I can't see there being much demand beyond Wrekenton or Harlow Green...

I reckon they all could be viable in some way, I would think a lot of people would use taxis across of these areas, so why not offer an extra run or two after midnight, obviously quite a few use the N21/N56 otherwise they'd not of lasted as long as they have, no reason why any of the above couldn't work.

(24 Dec 2017, 8:19 pm)Malarkey wrote I reckon they all could be viable in some way, I would think a lot of people would use taxis across of these areas, so why not offer an extra run or two after midnight, obviously quite a few use the N21/N56 otherwise they'd not of lasted as long as they have, no reason why any of the above couldn't work.

Say it costs £23 per hour to run each bus (which is what the QCS costings estimated), then you're looking at £690 per hour to have two vehicles out on each of those routes, for every hour. Are you really going to take at *least* that per hour in fares? Even meeting that would not be enough, as unfortunately most commercial operators have their own targets to meet. Just breaking even has an impact on overall profit figures.

(24 Dec 2017, 8:32 pm)Adrian wrote Say it costs £23 per hour to run each bus (which is what the QCS costings estimated), then you're looking at £690 per hour to have two vehicles out on each of those routes, for every hour. Are you really going to take at *least* that per hour in fares? Even meeting that would not be enough, as unfortunately most commercial operators have their own targets to meet. Just breaking even has an impact on overall profit figures.

But if GNE offered fares similar to Lothian (£3.50) for those who go out after 6pm for the evening then that would entice more people to use the service than getting in a taxi home thus covering the costs of running each bus per hour, perhaps trialling the cheaper fare offering on the N21/N56 first before looking at expansion of the Night Network.

Flip side of the coin think of how much it must cost to run a taxi per hour, more so if a taxi who usually operates the Asda rank at The Galleries ends up doing pick ups from Newcastle, Sunderland or Durham which a driver I had on friday night was going to do after he dropped off with my xmas shopping, so like the bus operator is a taxi firm breaking even and is that impacting overall profit figures.

(24 Dec 2017, 9:18 pm)Malarkey wrote But if GNE offered fares similar to Lothian (£3.50) for those who go out after 6pm for the evening then that would entice more people to use the service than getting in a taxi home thus covering the costs of running each bus per hour, perhaps trialling the cheaper fare offering on the N21/N56 first before looking at expansion of the Night Network.

Flip side of the coin think of how much it must cost to run a taxi per hour, more so if a taxi who usually operates the Asda rank at The Galleries ends up doing pick ups from Newcastle, Sunderland or Durham which a driver I had on friday night was going to do after he dropped off with my xmas shopping, so like the bus operator is a taxi firm breaking even and is that impacting overall profit figures.

It costs a lot less to run a taxi per hour. Because if the taxi is empty, then it is not moving and the driver is not earning any money. A bus still has to run to a registered route, and a driver is still paid an hourly rate for driving that route.

I'd be a fan of reduced evening fares, but that should be for your existing evening services, with a view to being able to expand the offering over time. That doesn't instantly produce a night bus, and to be honest, would make you even less likely to hit that target of £690 an hour to run your proposed night buses...

At least GNE operate the N21/56. Arriva have one or two routes that would almost certainly run to a profit overnight on the weekends, yet refuse to even look at doing anything about it.

(24 Dec 2017, 9:32 pm)Adrian wrote It costs a lot less to run a taxi per hour. Because if the taxi is empty, then it is not moving and the driver is not earning any money. A bus still has to run to a registered route, and a driver is still paid an hourly rate for driving that route.

I'd be a fan of reduced evening fares, but that should be for your existing evening services, with a view to being able to expand the offering over time. That doesn't instantly produce a night bus, and to be honest, would make you even less likely to hit that target of £690 an hour to run your proposed night buses...

I would bet that £23 an hour is likely higher on a night due to enhanced pay rates for drivers who would work overnight, including enhanced rates for engineers to be working too, just in case.

All of a sudden, the bus needs to make £33 per hour (example) to break even, with the operator wanting some return to make it all worthwhile. Maybe £40 per hour?

I bet some daytime services don't make that!

Amidst the 'inspiration' they take from other operators, the one thing they seem to stand on their own with, is night bus fares.

The point Malarkey makes about the Lothian ticket is a fair one I think.
It has been said many a time, that it is often cheaper for a few people to get a taxi than it is a night bus.
Appreciate it may be a gamble to lower fares, but surely by making them more attractive, it will increase passenger numbers?

There's been mention of the different types of passengers in this very thread.
Those who do have a choice on mode of transport and those who don't and will pay whatever they're charged.
Maybe the way to go, is to attract those elastic passengers. The passengers who share a taxi don't have to if the bus is cheaper.

The N58 night diversion via Heaton was obviously a ploy to attract the students living there.
Why would a service targeting students charge a fare higher than a taxi?

(24 Dec 2017, 7:17 pm)Malarkey wrote Some night bus suggestions which maybe viable with a few services merged together.

N1 - Easington Lane - Hetton-le-Hole - Houghton-le-Spring - Grasswell - Newbottle - Shiney Row - Fatfield - Glebe - Washington Galleries - Springwell Village - Wrekenton - Gateshead - Newcastle - Could work

N2 - Heworth - Usworth - Concord - Barmston - Washington Village - Biddick - Washington Galleries - Lambton - Harraton - Shiney Row - Hastings Hill - Grindon - Pennywell - Royal Hospital - Sunderland - Grangetown - Hollycarrside - Ryhope - Silksworth - Unlikely, maybe a later run

N10 - Hexham - Corbridge - Riding Mill - Branch End - Prudhoe - Crawcrook - Ryton - Blaydon - Metrocentre - Newcastle - Could work if operating the 10B route between Newcastle and Prudhoe only

N11 - Whitley Bay - Marden - Tynemouth - North Shields - Howden - Wallsend - Byker - Newcastle - Gateshead - Bensham - Lobley Hill - Whickham - Fellside Park - Swalwell - intu Metrocentre - No Chance

N16 - Castleside - Consett - Stanley - South Stanley - Craghead - Edmondsley - Sacriston - New College Durham - University Hospital of North Durham - Durham City Centre - Hmmmmm, might, might not??? Maybe a later run

N20 - Durham – Gilesgate Moor – Belmont – West Rainton – East Rainton – Hall Lane Estate – Houghton-le-Spring – East Herrington – Sunderland – Fulwell – Cleadon – Harton Nook – South Shields - Could work

N27 - South Shields - Chichester - Tyne Dock - Jarrow - Hebburn - Monkton Lane - Heworth - Sunderland Road - Gateshead - Newcastle - Could work

N39 - Blyth - Rotary Way - South Beach - Seaton Sluice - Whitley Bay - North Tyneside Hospital -  Billy Mill - Formica - Silverlink - Willington Square - Battle Hill Drive - Coast Road - Cradlewell - Newcastle - Could work but would be better under Arriva's hands as they have more of a monopoly. However, Arriva are only interested on runs that consist of a packed Gemini in limp mode running 15 minutes late with another bus chasing it.

N45 - Newcastle - Teams - Metrocentre - Swalwell - Rowlands Gill - Ebchester - Shotley Bridge - Blackhill - Consett - Number One - Blackhill - Shotley Bridge - Bridgehill - Pemberton Road - Consett - Same route as 47E might work
 
N46 - Newcastle - Teams - Metrocentre - Swalwell - Rowlands Gill - Ebchester - Shotley Bridge - Blackhill - Consett - Leadgate - Bradley Bungelows - Hat and Feather - Medomesley - The Dene - See above

N50 - Durham - Framwellgate Moor - Arnison Centre - Plawsworth - Waldridge Park - Chester-le-Street - Ayton - Washington Galleries - Concord - Nissan - Boldon - West Harton - South Shields - No chance

N53/N54 - Newcastle - Bensham Road - Saltwell Park - Coatsworth Road - Gateshead - Deckham - Felling Square - Leam Lane Estate - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Wrekenton - Harlow Green - Low Fell - Gateshead - Newcastle - Might but unlikely

N57 - Wardley - Ellen Wilkinson Estate - Heworth - Leam Lane Estate - Whitehills Estate - Beacon Lough Estate - Queen Elizabeth - Hospital - Gateshead - Newcastle - Coast Road - Battle Hill - Hadrian Park - Not this route but an N58 serving the 58 route might work

N60 - Murton - Parkside - Dawdon - Seaham - New Seaham - Ryhope - Grangetown - Sunderland - Southwick - Castletown - Town End Farm - Unlikely, maybe a later run

N78 - Consett - Leadgate - Greencroft - Annfield Plain - Stanley - Pelton - Chester-le-Street - Great Lumley - Shiney Row - Hastings Hill - Chester Road - Sunderland - Unlikely, maybe a later run

*NEW* 48: Gateshead - Team Valley - Lobley Hill - Dunston - Metrocentre - Ikea. This service will replace service 11. This service will operate every 30 minutes 7 days a week including a hourly evening frequency. It will also replace service X66 around the shops at Metrocentre

64/95: Withdrawn

11: Revised to terminate at Lobley Hill as a replacement for service 95, this service will operate every 30 minutes from Whitley Bay Mon - Sat daytimes.

*NEW* 66: Gateshead - Teams - Metrocentre - Lemington - Throckley. This service will replace service 64 in the teams and offer a link to Metrocentre and Throckley. This service will allow connections to and from the Tynedale Express X84 aswell.

X66: Gateshead - Non Stop - Metrocentre.
This service will operate every 15 minutes  and combined with service 66 there will be 6 direct buses to Metrocentre an hour.

Just had a thought, with the 308 due to be revised to operate to 'achieveable' times, would it not be an opportunity to get some of the soon to be ex 'Toon Link' Scannys and rebrand them as 'Toon Express' running a fast X38 service?

Same route as the 308 but only calling at Norham Road and Willington Square between Billy Mill and Newcastle St Mary's / Haymarket. Only issue timing wise would be the driver changeovers but would be ok if done towards Blyth. Could even 'dock' the odd run for the X39 in the according direction depending on the time of day.

58/59 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Deckham - Felling Square - Leam Lane Estate - Heworth - Boldon Asda - Fellgate - Monkton Business Park - Leam Lane Estate - Bill Quay - Heworth - Leam Lane Estate - Felling Square - Dckham - Gateshead - Newcastle

Operating Every 15 Minutes Monday to Saturday and Every 20 Minutes on a Sunday and Bank Holidays