(07 Jan 2022, 11:31 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote I have suffered countless bad experiences with Stagecoach in Newcastle, but not in South Shields or Sunderland. Using Go North East works out cheaper for the places I go to (including Wallsend and elsewhere where Stagecoach also operates). For volunteering pre-Covid I sometimes needed GNE tickets and other times preferred the reliability. Multi operator tickets are just a waste of money for myself and others willing to walk. Personally I think paying for two operators is a waste of money just into town. GNE also gave me some free travel in 2020 which supported my volunteering efforts. Stagecoach once gave me a free day ticket.

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Stagecoach caused me a number of serious issues. GNE has rarely let me down. Very happy with GNE. For employment in particular I need reliable transport, and even for volunteering its good to be on time.

But it's all swings and roundabouts. I live in an area dominated by GNE and have lost count of the number of times when their buses have been late or have failed to show up for one reason or another. Luckily for me, I don't use public transport to travel to work so the only harm done to me on a personal level amounts to a minor inconvenience, however there will be those who will be affected by the same repeated issues and problems. Conversely, I have never had a problem using GCT (who operate services in the area) or the Metro (who don't), yet there are countless stories, here and elsewhere, where both have fallen somewhat short of customer expectation. 

I doubt there are that many people willing to walk miles just to save a few pounds a week on a multi-modal ticket, in fact, I would suggest that you are probably one of a handful. So while a multi-modal ticket may not make financial sense to you, it makes perfect financial sense for those who wish to minimise their travel time by using more than one operator. Could they be cheaper? Certainly. And perhaps we'll see some savings included in the BSIP. However, realistically, GNE are never going to introduce regular services into the West End of Newcastle so irrespective of what BSIP has to offer, multi-modal tickets are always going to offer an efficient way of travelling without committing to an hour of walking before enduring the travel of public transport.

Since we're on about saving money, have you ever considered buying a bike? In urban areas bikes are quicker than buses for competent riders. As some on here are aware, I have the data to back that up.

Cycling is much quicker than buses in the city to. Although next week I have the dreaded Durham Road past Mayfair Garages which is like a car park.

(08 Jan 2022, 9:58 am)MurdnunoC wrote Since we're on about saving money, have you ever considered buying a bike? In urban areas bikes are quicker than buses for competent riders. As some on here are aware, I have the data to back that up.

Bikes also provide a direct link between the West End and Blaydon.

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(08 Jan 2022, 11:47 am)Adrian wrote Bikes also provide a direct link between the West End and Blaydon.

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Correct.
Although cycle infrastructure in the North East isn't the best it's certainly not the worst..

Hopefully more off road routes are made tarmac in the future as some of the routes are that bad you could lose a filling.

(08 Jan 2022, 9:58 am)MurdnunoC wrote But it's all swings and roundabouts. I live in an area dominated by GNE and have lost count of the number of times when their buses have been late or have failed to show up for one reason or another. Luckily for me, I don't use public transport to travel to work so the only harm done to me on a personal level amounts to a minor inconvenience, however there will be those who will be affected by the same repeated issues and problems. Conversely, I have never had a problem using GCT (who operate services in the area) or the Metro (who don't), yet there are countless stories, here and elsewhere, where both have fallen somewhat short of customer expectation. 

I doubt there are that many people willing to walk miles just to save a few pounds a week on a multi-modal ticket, in fact, I would suggest that you are probably one of a handful. So while a multi-modal ticket may not make financial sense to you, it makes perfect financial sense for those who wish to minimise their travel time by using more than one operator. Could they be cheaper? Certainly. And perhaps we'll see some savings included in the BSIP. However, realistically, GNE are never going to introduce regular services into the West End of Newcastle so irrespective of what BSIP has to offer, multi-modal tickets are always going to offer an efficient way of travelling without committing to an hour of walking before enduring the travel of public transport.

Since we're on about saving money, have you ever considered buying a bike? In urban areas bikes are quicker than buses for competent riders. As some on here are aware, I have the data to back that up.

I can recommend a bike to anyone, MTB or Road/Race.
I can get from Sunderland to Newcastle faster than a 56, and not far behind an X24. Can be in Whitley Bay before a 1, 309 or 306 thanks to the super quick cycleway along the A1058. Around Towns and Cities I can beat any form of transport and that's on the road and obeying traffic lights. Cross Country as well, quicker than a 78 from Sunderland to Chester, and by means of the old railway line from Vigo to Consett can get there before the 78 as well. On the road I ride a carbon bike that is under 8kg, so you'll understand I made that choice as primary transport and can use it to get to places like Alnwick, Hexham, Teesside. Not all can ride race bikes, but modern carbon mountain/cross bikes are great for commuting and leisure. The battery technology on electric bikes is spreading, and if you want spend £15k you can have a Scott electric race bike that takes 95% of the weight off.
I'll always recommend bike use, sadly our roads are populated by ignorant drivers, and bad cyclists who give us all a bad name.

(08 Jan 2022, 11:59 am)54APhotography wrote I can recommend a bike to anyone, MTB or Road/Race.
I can get from Sunderland to Newcastle faster than a 56, and not far behind an X24. Can be in Whitley Bay before a 65, 309 or 306 thanks to the super quick cycleway along the A1058. Around Towns and Cities I can beat any form of transport and that's on the road and obeying traffic lights. Cross Country as well, quicker than a 78 from Sunderland to Chester, and by means of the old railway line from Vigo to Consett can get there before the 78 as well. On the road I ride a carbon bike that is under 8kg, so you'll understand I made that choice as primary transport and can use it to get to places like Alnwick, Hexham, Teesside. Not all can ride race bikes, but modern carbon mountain/cross bikes are great for commuting and leisure. The battery technology on electric bikes is spreading, and if you want spend £15k you can have a Scott electric race bike that takes 95% of the weight off.
I'll always recommend bike use, sadly our roads are populated by ignorant drivers, and bad cyclists who give us all a bad name.

I'd love to start riding my bike around again, but I think I'd last about 5 minutes before getting knocked off with the state of the drivers down here.

I currently have a folding mountain bike, which I like since it takes up very little space, but I've been toying with the idea of either getting an electric mountain bike, or converting my current one to electric.

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(08 Jan 2022, 12:17 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I'd love to start riding my bike around again, but I think I'd last about 5 minutes before getting knocked off with the state of the drivers down here.

I currently have a folding mountain bike, which I like since it takes up very little space, but I've been toying with the idea of either getting an electric mountain bike, or converting my current one to electric.

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I would recommend going electric and look at a crosser, something you can use happily on road/cycleway/gravel. You are 100% correct about car drivers, since the theory test came in they seem to be worse, not better, and awareness of their hideous, fat lifestyle wagons is abysmal. What room they think they give is in reality very little. Coastal dawdlers are as bad, Whitley Bay to Tynemouth is back as a two way road after a period of one way and dual cycleway, drivers seem oblivious to everything when they are captivated by the sea views, bikes, other cars and pedestrians!

(08 Jan 2022, 11:47 am)Adrian wrote Bikes also provide a direct link between the West End and Blaydon.

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Exactly.

You can implement as many service suggestions as you want and create a fictional Go North East Bicycle division to satisfy any desire to allocate bikes to whichever shed of your choosing.

You could even cycle along the Coast Road between Billy Mill and Haymarket whilst making bus noises if inclined to do so.

Rrrrmrrmmmmmmghfjfjfhdhdjrrrrrrmmmmmmm

I looked into using a bike to commute when I was volunteering in Byker (yes, bike to Byker, I know!) as the bus fares were too expensive (and that was using just Stagecoach) and the buses were late for the journey home on Fridays. Unfortunately I decided against it due to it being unsafe and there being nowhere to leave a bike while I was volunteering. GNE helped just before the pandemic as I had a free all zones ticket.

Reliable transport is absolutely vital for commuting to work. Giving up Stagecoach was no easy decision, but it was bad for my health, stress, anxiety, depression etc because it was ruining my life. Although I've only lost two jobs and one place of education due to Stagecoach's unreliable services, but I've also lost other chances due to buses having a reputation for being unreliable. When I've been late for voluntary work it has been understood, but is not ideal. Personal experience matters. Fair enough I stopped using Arriva in about 2005 because a bus I boarded at Haymarket with my dad broke down and didn't leave the bus station (can't remember where he was taking me) and it put me off Arriva, whereas Stagecoach let me down countless times in over 20 years, and once I make a decision I stick with it, actions have consequences.

For a number of years I've walked into town anyway, by choice, for leisure, nothing to do with buses, and it's only really the West End of Newcastle where Stagecoach dominates, and once in town I've got free choice. GNE serves my destinations (sometimes exclusively, other times shared with Stagecoach and others) and I don't walk miles exactly usually around half an hour and usually that's just one way (usually back home, but can be either) and even if walking both ways totalling 1 hour, that's just the same as walking into town anyway but just split. I enjoy travelling with GNE/GCT/Phoenix/A-line, it's no hardship and usually doesn't involve a walk (74/792/808 are close by. Sundays are the only time I have to walk over an hour for a 33A/Q3 and now both ways since GCT took over the 42A (I used to get the 42A back to Kingston Park) so now over 2 hours walk. The X85 being introduced on Sundays was good, and I used it once (the pandemic has prevented much travel). I think Scotswood Road is under an hour for me to walk to for the 12/12A.

Using different buses gives me access to different shops (particularly at Kingston Park and Gosforth). Visiting friends and family could be a factor too.

I could be volunteering or working in Blaydon (for example) or Rowlands Gill (that nearly happened) or visiting someone in Chester-le-Street, all of which can be linked with the West of Newcastle via Westerhope or Slatyford, without going into Newcastle. Some employment doesn't count towards getting transport links (like Stella Power Station did) and visiting people isn't considered really. With new houses in Callerton and Woolsington, and developments at Great Park new/revised services could be introduced.

42A could operate Kingston Park to Killingworth and then a new service could run Four Lane Ends to Wallsend.

(08 Jan 2022, 11:59 am)54APhotography wrote I can recommend a bike to anyone, MTB or Road/Race.
I can get from Sunderland to Newcastle faster than a 56, and not far behind an X24. Can be in Whitley Bay before a 65, 309 or 306 thanks to the super quick cycleway along the A1058. Around Towns and Cities I can beat any form of transport and that's on the road and obeying traffic lights. Cross Country as well, quicker than a 78 from Sunderland to Chester, and by means of the old railway line from Vigo to Consett can get there before the 78 as well. On the road I ride a carbon bike that is under 8kg, so you'll understand I made that choice as primary transport and can use it to get to places like Alnwick, Hexham, Teesside. Not all can ride race bikes, but modern carbon mountain/cross bikes are great for commuting and leisure. The battery technology on electric bikes is spreading, and if you want spend £15k you can have a Scott electric race bike that takes 95% of the weight off.
I'll always recommend bike use, sadly our roads are populated by ignorant drivers, and bad cyclists who give us all a bad name.

Same here always reccommend bike usage, however it is quite dangeous with these so-called drivers who pass a test and think they rule the road and everyone on it has to move out of their way, or stop for them even if they don't have right of way etc...

Before the X22 was suspended would an extention from Metrocentre into Newcastle have worked.

I had ideas for a M27, M52 & M58 aswell.

(08 Jan 2022, 10:10 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote Before the X22 was suspended would an extention from Metrocentre into Newcastle have worked.

I had ideas for a M27, M52 & M58 aswell.

Nope. And why would it? The journey is already covered by the 21 and X21. Any extension via the Metrocentre would add to the journey time hence no-one would use it.

(08 Jan 2022, 10:10 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote Before the X22 was suspended would an extention from Metrocentre into Newcastle have worked.

I had ideas for a M27, M52 & M58 aswell.

Not really any call for variations and/or extentions of services to the Metrocentre when services like the X66 already covers the link between Gateshead and the Metrocentre, be just pointless duplication and would require more resources.

Not enough time in the schedule to do Newcastle on the X22 and pointless really offering a slower journey to the 21/X21 heading to the same location and then duplicating everything else from the Metrocentre.

(08 Jan 2022, 10:27 pm)Jimmi wrote Not really any call for variations and/or extentions of services to the Metrocentre when services like the X66 already covers the link between Gateshead and the Metrocentre, be just pointless duplication and would require more resources.

Not enough time in the schedule to do Newcastle on the X22 and pointless really offering a slower journey to the 21/X21 heading to the same location and then duplicating everything else from the Metrocentre.

Would it work for an independent though?
A while back I had an idea for special ticket called an M-Boost, which bolted-on a extra 50p-£1 addition to a single or return provided the passenger changed onto a Metrocentre Bound Service Suggestion at the Galleries.

(08 Jan 2022, 11:46 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote Would it work for an independent though?
A while back I had an idea for special ticket called an M-Boost, which bolted-on a extra 50p-£1 addition to a single or return provided the passenger changed onto a Metrocentre Bound Service Suggestion at the Galleries.

How would it work?

You're suggesting an imaginary ticket for an imaginary independent who has to have an imaginary network either side of the places you wish your imaginary service to serve. All of this in a thread supposedly for GNE service suggestions.

More fantasy. Along with dogs, will unicorns be allowed to travel on this service too, providing there isn't already one on board?

The sooner this thread is closed the better.

Talking about Durham to Metro Centre buses imo they should route it on this route as a trial as a 'use it or lose it' bus route - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Durham/5...45!1m0!3e0

It's only 5 minutes longer than the X22 current route and misses the A1. Annfield Plain to Dipton have been very vocal about not having a bus to the Metro Centre recently so in theory they should be getting on in their droves. If they don't use it then withdraw and they can just claim they tried which is good PR either way. If it works then it works. It also gives Burnhope and Maiden Law a bus to Durham.

(09 Jan 2022, 9:33 am)Storx wrote Talking about Durham to Metro Centre buses imo they should route it on this route as a trial as a 'use it or lose it' bus route - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Durham/5...45!1m0!3e0

It's only 5 minutes longer than the X22 current route and misses the A1. Annfield Plain to Dipton have been very vocal about not having a bus to the Metro Centre recently so in theory they should be getting on in their droves. If they don't use it then withdraw and they can just claim they tried which is good PR either way. If it works then it works. It also gives Burnhope and Maiden Law a bus to Durham.

i think this is a good idea.  Northumbria tried this with a service where i used to live as everyone was complain there was no connection to kingston park form the villages of dinnington, brinswick, wideopen and hazlerigg. Think in its first week it was well used but then was cancelled after several months of make a loss due to low passenger numbers. Thin k the 101 start after this to give hazlerigg and, dingginton and wideopen the connection aging but missed out brunswick

(09 Jan 2022, 9:33 am)Storx wrote Talking about Durham to Metro Centre buses imo they should route it on this route as a trial as a 'use it or lose it' bus route - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Durham/5...45!1m0!3e0

It's only 5 minutes longer than the X22 current route and misses the A1. Annfield Plain to Dipton have been very vocal about not having a bus to the Metro Centre recently so in theory they should be getting on in their droves. If they don't use it then withdraw and they can just claim they tried which is good PR either way. If it works then it works. It also gives Burnhope and Maiden Law a bus to Durham.

Would it share any of its route with this?
http://asxterranova.home.blog/2020/09/10...xpress-x7/

(09 Jan 2022, 10:02 am)Rob44 wrote i think this is a good idea.  Northumbria tried this with a service where i used to live as everyone was complain there was no connection to kingston park form the villages of dinnington, brinswick, wideopen and hazlerigg. Think in its first week it was well used but then was cancelled after several months of make a loss due to low passenger numbers. Thin k the 101 start after this to give hazlerigg and, dingginton and wideopen the connection aging but missed out brunswick

Yeah there's been a few of them over the years, none of them have lasted really though mind I do believe X20 originally was one from Ashington which has lasted.

(09 Jan 2022, 11:46 am)ASX_Terranova wrote Would it share any of its route with this?
http://asxterranova.home.blog/2020/09/10...xpress-x7/

Not really it runs in the opposite direction pretty much yours going North East then North West whereas mine goes North West then North East.

tbh. The section between Durham and Annfield Plain will carry fresh air so changed them a bit.

X44 (X-Lines) - Lanchester to Newcastle via Metro Centre - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.82085...96!1m0!3e0 (Hourly)

6 - Current route to Burnopfield (30 Mins), then current route to Burnhope only (Hourly)

7 - Stanley to Gateshead via Tanobie and Lobley Hill - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.86812...c5!1m0!3e0 (Hourly)

X70/X71 - Restored to every 30 minutes between Burnopfield and Newcastle rather than the useless 20/40 atm.

X72 - Withdrawn

Restores most links, provides a quicker service from Stanley to Gateshead, Annfield Plain/Dipton to Metro Centre get their bus route back. Quickish service from Lanchester to Newcastle. Sunniside Estates get a bus to Gateshead to connect to new routes.

(09 Jan 2022, 1:53 pm)Storx wrote Yeah there's been a few of them over the years, none of them have lasted really though mind I do believe X20 originally was one from Ashington which has lasted.


Not really it runs in the opposite direction pretty much yours going North East then North West whereas mine goes North West then North East.

tbh. The section between Durham and Annfield Plain will carry fresh air so changed them a bit.

X44 (X-Lines) - Lanchester to Newcastle via Metro Centre - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.82085...96!1m0!3e0 (Hourly)

6 - Current route to Burnopfield (30 Mins), then current route to Burnhope only (Hourly)

7 - Stanley to Gateshead via Tanobie and Lobley Hill - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/54.86812...c5!1m0!3e0 (Hourly)

X70/X71 - Restored to every 30 minutes between Burnopfield and Newcastle rather than the useless 20/40 atm.

X72 - Withdrawn

Restores most links, provides a quicker service from Stanley to Gateshead, Annfield Plain/Dipton to Metro Centre get their bus route back. Quickish service from Lanchester to Newcastle. Sunniside Estates get a bus to Gateshead to connect to new routes.

When I first read it I thought you had replaced the R5 and gone Dipton, Burnopfield, Rowlands Gill then towards The Metrocentre. I was going to suggest an express version of either 709 or 728.

22: Washington to Durham via Lambton, Ayton, Chester-Le-Street, Plawsworth, Newton Hall, Framwellgate & University Hospital.

The 50 gets really busy between the Galleries and Durham so maybe introduce another service on this section.

(11 Jan 2022, 1:53 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote 22: Washington to Durham via Lambton, Ayton, Chester-Le-Street, Plawsworth, Newton Hall, Framwellgate & University Hospital.

The 50 gets really busy between the Galleries and Durham so maybe introduce another service on this section.

?????

Or alternatively increase the frequency of the 50 instead of complicaating matters by introducing a new service running what appears to be exactly the same route.

The mind boggles...

(11 Jan 2022, 2:52 pm)MurdnunoC wrote ?????

Or alternatively increase the frequency of the 50 instead of complicaating matters by introducing a new service running what appears to be exactly the same route.

The mind boggles...

I agree. The network is complicated enough for customers without two buses doing the same route with different numbers.

On another note, I think I've located the comprehensive timetable book for all services that have been suggested to run via Lambton Village Centre over the years:

(11 Jan 2022, 3:40 pm)Adrian wrote I agree. The network is complicated enough for customers without two buses doing the same route with different numbers.

On another note, I think I've located the comprehensive timetable book for all services that have been suggested to run via Lambton Village Centre over the years:

Hopefully that top sheet has the direct service to Newcastle on it 

(11 Jan 2022, 3:54 pm)Malarkey wrote Hopefully that top sheet has the direct service to Newcastle on it 

Na. I think your Dumfries to Hull via Lambton Village Centre would be at the top of the pile

(11 Jan 2022, 3:58 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Na. I think your Dumfries to Hull via Lambton Village Centre would be at the top of the pile

Does that go via Kingston Park and Blaydon as well?

(11 Jan 2022, 4:56 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Does that go via Kingston Park and Blaydon as well?

Back in the day, Lambton Village Centre was the place to be. Kingston Park and Blaydon are recent new towns/metropolises which didn't exist back then.

(11 Jan 2022, 5:04 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Back in the day, Lambton Village Centre was the place to be. Kingston Park and Blaydon are recent new towns/metropolises which didn't exist back then.

*coughs and gestures towards the village full of fences and houses*

'The FPF strongly condem any notions that Lambton Village Centre was the place to be. We will not give up our fight. We will not surrender'

Statement ends.

(11 Jan 2022, 3:58 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Na. I think your Dumfries to Hull via Lambton Village Centre would be at the top of the pile

Hull, who'd want to go to that dump?

(11 Jan 2022, 8:38 pm)Malarkey wrote Hull, who'd want to go to that dump?

It is the home of someone's second favourite football club, IIRC.