RE: September Service Changes
(05 Aug 2021, 9:43 pm)Train8261 wrote Was the 28 even used by anyone in Newcastle and Gateshead since the B1 was introduced
More likely local day trippers. The B1 isn’t really an express, it’s only a few minutes faster than the 28 and it starts from Eldon Sq which is more convenient if you were connecting from public transport elsewhere. Wasn’t that long ago the service was branded for Beamish .
There’s not much difference in time between the 28 and the 21, the 28 is quicker to Birtley at rush hour as it avoids Low Fell.
I just don’t understand Market Street at all. It’s almost making it less attractive that folks will hop to Birtley and change to a 21. I do wonder if that’s the long term aim, lose the Ouston link completely and replace it with a minibus to Birtley (the old 734) and flog a few more of your zone tickets.
The 28A is the odd one, I’m not sure of it’s purpose anymore, it just prolongs the Ouston commuter journey. Bensham hospital offers minimal services these days and is easily accessed by a 21 and then a 53/54. It’s serves the crematorium but how many funerals are planned by bus timetables.
so yes I’ve talked myself into it. 28 will up ending running CLS via Durham Rd to Birtley then existing route. 28A will die and end up being replaced through Kibblesworth by a reimagined 24