Go North East: Service Suggestions v2
Go North East: Service Suggestions v2
(12 Dec 2022, 3:52 am)Drifter60 I mean I do love reading some of these suggestions!I merged it with the 21 as it would get to Newcastle hopefully within about 90-100 mins, the 25 it would be 2 hours on a good day.
The 21 suggestion is confusing, no two ways about it. Although extensions to Bowburn (presumably via Shincliffe and then terminating at Amazon?) is a good idea, and the 71 being bolted onto a 21 isn’t a *bad idea*, as it would open new connections. Buses direct to Newcastle, Gateshead, Birtley etc across the 71 route would be good however keep the 21 out of it, merging the 25 with 71 would be a better solution, appreciating they’re both secured services these days but it would maybe be a decent idea if local authorities could work together to offer a more joined up network. I don’t see they need for Waldridge or Ouston extensions although I’m guessing it was at the expense of the 34? But I’m not sure that really works. You’re also proposing doubling the number of 21s (or 22s) between Durham and CLS, if you’re sending 2 buses to Brandon and 2 buses to Bowburn each hour.
There’s a few white elephants in your suggestions. What’s the point in this 55 route? The 62 route also, who’s that for? No one in Seaham or Murton are going to Sunderland city centre on your 62 proposal as it’ll take a good chunk longer than a 60 and 61 would. So the next question is there really a need for anyone in Seaham or Murton to want to go to Plains Farm or Thornhill? I’m thinking no. And as for a direct link to Doxford, I’m not sure it’s needed when connections to Doxford are relatively easily done at Ryhope. Not to mention those from Murton will probably find it’s quicker to get a 61/39 than travel via Dawdon and Seaham before even getting to New Seaham!
A few of your suggestions, whilst I appreciate what you’re doing, are replacing mini bus solo operated route into larger double decker services, and I’m not sure a Xlines decker is needed around Horden Hall Estate or if direct connections to Newcastle are top of the list of what people need. I’d guess people in Peterlee would rather have more regular services to local communities in Easington, Blackhall, Shotton and South Hetton and perhaps better integration to the local main centres of Durham, Seaham and Hartlepool.
(12 Dec 2022, 3:52 am)Drifter60 I mean I do love reading some of these suggestions!I merged it with the 21 as it would get to Newcastle hopefully within about 90-100 mins, the 25 it would be 2 hours on a good day.
The 21 suggestion is confusing, no two ways about it. Although extensions to Bowburn (presumably via Shincliffe and then terminating at Amazon?) is a good idea, and the 71 being bolted onto a 21 isn’t a *bad idea*, as it would open new connections. Buses direct to Newcastle, Gateshead, Birtley etc across the 71 route would be good however keep the 21 out of it, merging the 25 with 71 would be a better solution, appreciating they’re both secured services these days but it would maybe be a decent idea if local authorities could work together to offer a more joined up network. I don’t see they need for Waldridge or Ouston extensions although I’m guessing it was at the expense of the 34? But I’m not sure that really works. You’re also proposing doubling the number of 21s (or 22s) between Durham and CLS, if you’re sending 2 buses to Brandon and 2 buses to Bowburn each hour.
There’s a few white elephants in your suggestions. What’s the point in this 55 route? The 62 route also, who’s that for? No one in Seaham or Murton are going to Sunderland city centre on your 62 proposal as it’ll take a good chunk longer than a 60 and 61 would. So the next question is there really a need for anyone in Seaham or Murton to want to go to Plains Farm or Thornhill? I’m thinking no. And as for a direct link to Doxford, I’m not sure it’s needed when connections to Doxford are relatively easily done at Ryhope. Not to mention those from Murton will probably find it’s quicker to get a 61/39 than travel via Dawdon and Seaham before even getting to New Seaham!
A few of your suggestions, whilst I appreciate what you’re doing, are replacing mini bus solo operated route into larger double decker services, and I’m not sure a Xlines decker is needed around Horden Hall Estate or if direct connections to Newcastle are top of the list of what people need. I’d guess people in Peterlee would rather have more regular services to local communities in Easington, Blackhall, Shotton and South Hetton and perhaps better integration to the local main centres of Durham, Seaham and Hartlepool.
(12 Dec 2022, 9:47 pm)Unber43 I merged it with the 21 as it would get to Newcastle hopefully within about 90-100 mins, the 25 it would be 2 hours on a good day.Most people catching the 209/210 just want to go to the town centre for their shopping and to catch up with the local gossip. There is a very good reason why these short distance but convoluted local services exist.
It would cut the 34 down to every 30 mins, cutting the PVR by 1 to 2.
55/62 were to become local links to Doxford from Seaham and Murton which they're missing, and the 55 to create a quick services to sunderland at a high frequency instead of going straight down the A690.
209/210 was to try and get more people to use the bus as changing in peterlee isn't the best however if there was a service whcih they can get without changing it would probs attract them to use the bus more, if it did get added to the X1, it would still have links to Easington/Blackhall, South Hetton however I would try and incorporate all peterlee services into bigger services with better links.
(12 Dec 2022, 9:47 pm)Unber43 I merged it with the 21 as it would get to Newcastle hopefully within about 90-100 mins, the 25 it would be 2 hours on a good day.Most people catching the 209/210 just want to go to the town centre for their shopping and to catch up with the local gossip. There is a very good reason why these short distance but convoluted local services exist.
It would cut the 34 down to every 30 mins, cutting the PVR by 1 to 2.
55/62 were to become local links to Doxford from Seaham and Murton which they're missing, and the 55 to create a quick services to sunderland at a high frequency instead of going straight down the A690.
209/210 was to try and get more people to use the bus as changing in peterlee isn't the best however if there was a service whcih they can get without changing it would probs attract them to use the bus more, if it did get added to the X1, it would still have links to Easington/Blackhall, South Hetton however I would try and incorporate all peterlee services into bigger services with better links.
(12 Dec 2022, 9:48 pm)nova347 What was the old 21A/21B?
(12 Dec 2022, 9:48 pm)nova347 What was the old 21A/21B?
(12 Dec 2022, 10:54 pm)BusLoverMum Most people catching the 209/210 just want to go to the town centre for their shopping and to catch up with the local gossip. There is a very good reason why these short distance but convoluted local services exist.
(12 Dec 2022, 10:54 pm)BusLoverMum Most people catching the 209/210 just want to go to the town centre for their shopping and to catch up with the local gossip. There is a very good reason why these short distance but convoluted local services exist.
(12 Dec 2022, 10:54 pm)BusLoverMum Most people catching the 209/210 just want to go to the town centre for their shopping and to catch up with the local gossip. There is a very good reason why these short distance but convoluted local services exist.There would be no change of route, just a connection added.
(12 Dec 2022, 10:54 pm)BusLoverMum Most people catching the 209/210 just want to go to the town centre for their shopping and to catch up with the local gossip. There is a very good reason why these short distance but convoluted local services exist.There would be no change of route, just a connection added.
(11 Dec 2022, 10:12 pm)Unber43 21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street (every 60 mins)
21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street - Waldridge Park (every 60 mins)
21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street - Ouston (every 60 mins)
21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street - Great Lumley - Houghton - Seaham (every 60 mins) [71 Withdrawn]
21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street - Arnison Centre - Durham - Bowburn (every 30 mins)
Angel 22
22 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Team Valley - Birtley - Chester-Le-Street - Durham - Brandon (every 30 mins)
(11 Dec 2022, 10:12 pm)Unber43 21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street (every 60 mins)
21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street - Waldridge Park (every 60 mins)
21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street - Ouston (every 60 mins)
21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street - Great Lumley - Houghton - Seaham (every 60 mins) [71 Withdrawn]
21 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Low Fell - Chester-Le-Street - Arnison Centre - Durham - Bowburn (every 30 mins)
Angel 22
22 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Team Valley - Birtley - Chester-Le-Street - Durham - Brandon (every 30 mins)
(12 Dec 2022, 9:48 pm)nova347 What was the old 21A/21B?
(12 Dec 2022, 9:48 pm)nova347 What was the old 21A/21B?
(13 Dec 2022, 7:07 am)cbma06 21A was the old 231/735 and just renumbered into the 21 series, originally the 231 was Newcastle to Hartlepool via Chester and Houghton and the 735 was Newcastle to Houghton via Chester, the 21A was half hourly between Newcastle and Houghton then hourly extension to Hartlepool.
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(13 Dec 2022, 7:07 am)cbma06 21A was the old 231/735 and just renumbered into the 21 series, originally the 231 was Newcastle to Hartlepool via Chester and Houghton and the 735 was Newcastle to Houghton via Chester, the 21A was half hourly between Newcastle and Houghton then hourly extension to Hartlepool.
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I don't know how well this would work..
But as someone mentioned it 6301-6307 haven't been on since 17th well most of them haven't, I wonder if they're getting some branding.
Nevertheless I wonder if the 65 would stay hourly, whether it would be worth putting deckers on them, and then they can go onto the 61 (hopefully with USB's added).
It would need a PVR 3, 6301-6303, 6356-6358 or E400s.
X45 - 6356 - 6362
47 - 6308 - 6314
X71/X72 - 6341-6343 | 6334/6335
X31/X30 - 6338-6340
X5|X15 - 6043-6047
X21 - 6344-6351 + 6363 (if 30 min layover was to return)
65 - 3 Deckers (hopefully with chargers) Possibly 6065-6068 (1 spare)
61 - 5391-5394
- X1 should be fine as 12 Branded, PVR 11 + 6376
- 6377 Spare for X21/X10 ONLY
- 6336-6337 Consett Spare X30/X31 ONLY
- 6331-6333 Could be sent to Consett for spare.
- 6307 50 Spare
- 6064 - X71/X72 Spare
- 6069/70 - 16 Spare
- 6048 Spare
Tbf now GNE are getting the Euro 6 buses from London there should be absolutely no branded buses on school routes, or 6301-6307
I feel like Team Valley needs a proper connection to Newcastle on a regular basis, you could extend the 93/94, I wouldn't extend the 97 as people already complain about how long that journey is or the X71/X72 but I would extend the 1, to Team Valley Marquis Way then loop back towards Whitley Bay, this would improve links to Team Valley from Wallsend etc, you could get rid of the 91 and it would only have 2 PVR, and if the 51/52's are going back to Newcastle which I don't think they are, just debrand some of them and send them to Percy Main as Euro 6 spares, or some Versas from Depford, as if Percy Main can operate the Q3 with pretty much no problem, an extra 2 PVR on the 1 would impact driver shortages much, as it would strengthen links to North Tyneside. Not to mention you have all the Quacity Versas which 4 are already at Percy main on the 41/41A which doesn't need a Euro 6 bus and can be run by anything, so there are 4 then there are 3 others one hasn't been in Service since October, another one August then the 3rd one hasn't been on since 23rd of December, so there is plenty of Euro 6 buses to do the route.
I mean you can do the 93/94, it'll take around 23 mins to get to Newcastle and back to Gateshead with a layover increasing the PVR by 1
(13 Jan 2023, 8:33 pm)nova347 I feel like Team Valley needs a proper connection to Newcastle on a regular basis, you could extend the 93/94, I wouldn't extend the 97 as people already complain about how long that journey is or the X71/X72 but I would extend the 1, to Team Valley Marquis Way then loop back towards Whitley Bay, this would improve links to Team Valley from Wallsend etc, you could get rid of the 91 and it would only have 2 PVR, and if the 51/52's are going back to Newcastle which I don't think they are, just debrand some of them and send them to Percy Main as Euro 6 spares, or some Versas from Depford, as if Percy Main can operate the Q3 with pretty much no problem, an extra 2 PVR on the 1 would impact driver shortages much, as it would strengthen links to North Tyneside. Not to mention you have all the Quacity Versas which 4 are already at Percy main on the 41/41A which doesn't need a Euro 6 bus and can be run by anything, so there are 4 then there are 3 others one hasn't been in Service since October, another one August then the 3rd one hasn't been on since 23rd of December, so there is plenty of Euro 6 buses to do the route.
I mean you can do the 93/94, it'll take around 23 mins to get to Newcastle and back to Gateshead with a layover increasing the PVR by 1
(13 Jan 2023, 8:33 pm)nova347 I feel like Team Valley needs a proper connection to Newcastle on a regular basis, you could extend the 93/94, I wouldn't extend the 97 as people already complain about how long that journey is or the X71/X72 but I would extend the 1, to Team Valley Marquis Way then loop back towards Whitley Bay, this would improve links to Team Valley from Wallsend etc, you could get rid of the 91 and it would only have 2 PVR, and if the 51/52's are going back to Newcastle which I don't think they are, just debrand some of them and send them to Percy Main as Euro 6 spares, or some Versas from Depford, as if Percy Main can operate the Q3 with pretty much no problem, an extra 2 PVR on the 1 would impact driver shortages much, as it would strengthen links to North Tyneside. Not to mention you have all the Quacity Versas which 4 are already at Percy main on the 41/41A which doesn't need a Euro 6 bus and can be run by anything, so there are 4 then there are 3 others one hasn't been in Service since October, another one August then the 3rd one hasn't been on since 23rd of December, so there is plenty of Euro 6 buses to do the route.
I mean you can do the 93/94, it'll take around 23 mins to get to Newcastle and back to Gateshead with a layover increasing the PVR by 1
(13 Jan 2023, 11:17 pm)Storx I'd imagine it's a bit too long via Gateshead and you'd damage the 93/94 which has it's own purpose of getting people around Gateshead.What about Wallsend to Newcastle that would be the Q3 like tbh
Personally I'd look at splitting the Q3 into more routes maybe something like:
Q1 (Yutong's): Great Park - Gosforth - Jesmond - John Dobson Street (omit Haymarket) - Newcastle Quayside - Swing Bridge - The Sage - Gateshead - X66 Metro Centre (Every 15 Minutes)
Q2 (Versa's): Hadrian Park - Wallsend - Walker - St Peter's Basin - Newcastle Quayside - Central Station (Every 30 Minutes)
Q2A (Versa's): Hadrian Park - Wiltshire Drive - Wallsend (Every 30 Minutes)
Q3 (Versa's): St Peter's Basin - Newcastle Quayside - Central Station - Redheugh Bridge - Lobley Hill Road - Team Valley (Every 30 Minutes)
41/41A/91/X66: Withdrawn
53/54: Back over Tyne Bridge / High Level
The route just feels forced together now, feel the above would be more popular especially linking Gateshead Quays and the Quayside to the Metro Centre if the new arena ever opens. Not to mention links across the river from Gosforth and linking all the student accommodation and the university together, maybe discounted travel for students? The 41 and Quaycity services just seem to make sense being the same route. I'd say merge the Q2A and Q3 aswell but not sure there needs to be 2 extra buses between St Peter's Basin and Wallsend tbh. Plus you'd get the flashy electric buses running a flagship route like the X66 rather than the back waters of Walker.
(13 Jan 2023, 11:17 pm)Storx I'd imagine it's a bit too long via Gateshead and you'd damage the 93/94 which has it's own purpose of getting people around Gateshead.What about Wallsend to Newcastle that would be the Q3 like tbh
Personally I'd look at splitting the Q3 into more routes maybe something like:
Q1 (Yutong's): Great Park - Gosforth - Jesmond - John Dobson Street (omit Haymarket) - Newcastle Quayside - Swing Bridge - The Sage - Gateshead - X66 Metro Centre (Every 15 Minutes)
Q2 (Versa's): Hadrian Park - Wallsend - Walker - St Peter's Basin - Newcastle Quayside - Central Station (Every 30 Minutes)
Q2A (Versa's): Hadrian Park - Wiltshire Drive - Wallsend (Every 30 Minutes)
Q3 (Versa's): St Peter's Basin - Newcastle Quayside - Central Station - Redheugh Bridge - Lobley Hill Road - Team Valley (Every 30 Minutes)
41/41A/91/X66: Withdrawn
53/54: Back over Tyne Bridge / High Level
The route just feels forced together now, feel the above would be more popular especially linking Gateshead Quays and the Quayside to the Metro Centre if the new arena ever opens. Not to mention links across the river from Gosforth and linking all the student accommodation and the university together, maybe discounted travel for students? The 41 and Quaycity services just seem to make sense being the same route. I'd say merge the Q2A and Q3 aswell but not sure there needs to be 2 extra buses between St Peter's Basin and Wallsend tbh. Plus you'd get the flashy electric buses running a flagship route like the X66 rather than the back waters of Walker.
Maybe I've already asked this before (I can't remember), but is it still the case that it's faster to just go along Askew Road than it is to use centrelink, or was that just due to the (never ending) roadworks around Gateshead?
(13 Jan 2023, 11:51 pm)streetdeckfan Maybe I've already asked this before (I can't remember), but is it still the case that it's faster to just go along Askew Road than it is to use centrelink, or was that just due to the (never ending) roadworks around Gateshead?Centrelink tends to be easier when matches are on/Friday/Saturday/Sunday, or anything is on at the Arena due to the horrendous traffic lights there.
(13 Jan 2023, 11:51 pm)streetdeckfan Maybe I've already asked this before (I can't remember), but is it still the case that it's faster to just go along Askew Road than it is to use centrelink, or was that just due to the (never ending) roadworks around Gateshead?Centrelink tends to be easier when matches are on/Friday/Saturday/Sunday, or anything is on at the Arena due to the horrendous traffic lights there.
(13 Jan 2023, 11:17 pm)Storx I'd imagine it's a bit too long via Gateshead and you'd damage the 93/94 which has it's own purpose of getting people around Gateshead.I think splitting the Q3 is potentially a good idea but I just don't think GNE would do it as it probably would cause a lot of confusion.
Personally I'd look at splitting the Q3 into more routes maybe something like:
Q1 (Yutong's): Great Park - Gosforth - Jesmond - John Dobson Street (omit Haymarket) - Newcastle Quayside - Swing Bridge - The Sage - Gateshead - X66 Metro Centre (Every 15 Minutes)
Q2 (Versa's): St Peter's Basin - Newcastle Quayside - Central Station - Redheugh Bridge - Lobley Hill Road - Team Valley (Every 30 Minutes)
Q3 (Versa's): Hadrian Park - Wallsend - Walker - St Peter's Basin - Newcastle Quayside - Central Station (Every 30 Minutes)
Q3A (Versa's): Hadrian Park - Wiltshire Drive - Wallsend (Every 30 Minutes)
41/41A/91/X66: Withdrawn
53/54: Back over Tyne Bridge / High Level
The route just feels forced together now, feel the above would be more popular especially linking Gateshead Quays and the Quayside to the Metro Centre if the new arena ever opens. Not to mention links across the river from Gosforth and linking all the student accommodation and the university together, maybe discounted travel for students? The 41 and Quaycity services just seem to make sense being the same route. I'd say merge the Q2 and Q3A aswell but not sure there needs to be 2 extra buses between St Peter's Basin and Wallsend tbh. Plus you'd get the flashy electric buses running a flagship route like the X66 rather than the back waters of Walker.
(13 Jan 2023, 11:17 pm)Storx I'd imagine it's a bit too long via Gateshead and you'd damage the 93/94 which has it's own purpose of getting people around Gateshead.I think splitting the Q3 is potentially a good idea but I just don't think GNE would do it as it probably would cause a lot of confusion.
Personally I'd look at splitting the Q3 into more routes maybe something like:
Q1 (Yutong's): Great Park - Gosforth - Jesmond - John Dobson Street (omit Haymarket) - Newcastle Quayside - Swing Bridge - The Sage - Gateshead - X66 Metro Centre (Every 15 Minutes)
Q2 (Versa's): St Peter's Basin - Newcastle Quayside - Central Station - Redheugh Bridge - Lobley Hill Road - Team Valley (Every 30 Minutes)
Q3 (Versa's): Hadrian Park - Wallsend - Walker - St Peter's Basin - Newcastle Quayside - Central Station (Every 30 Minutes)
Q3A (Versa's): Hadrian Park - Wiltshire Drive - Wallsend (Every 30 Minutes)
41/41A/91/X66: Withdrawn
53/54: Back over Tyne Bridge / High Level
The route just feels forced together now, feel the above would be more popular especially linking Gateshead Quays and the Quayside to the Metro Centre if the new arena ever opens. Not to mention links across the river from Gosforth and linking all the student accommodation and the university together, maybe discounted travel for students? The 41 and Quaycity services just seem to make sense being the same route. I'd say merge the Q2 and Q3A aswell but not sure there needs to be 2 extra buses between St Peter's Basin and Wallsend tbh. Plus you'd get the flashy electric buses running a flagship route like the X66 rather than the back waters of Walker.
(13 Jan 2023, 11:21 pm)Unber43 What about Wallsend to Newcastle that would be the Q3 like tbh
Also the thing that absolutely annoys me about the 93/94 say you want to go to Bensham to Gateshead Stadium to watch a football match oh ill get the bus 93 goes there from bensham in a loop, oh wait it turns into the 94 you have to get off and wait 20 mins for another 93, its not how loops should work, same the 51/52 aswell.
Also every 15 mins from Gateshead to Metrocentre that is just reliability suicide, if anything the X66 needs bigger buses.
(13 Jan 2023, 11:21 pm)Unber43 What about Wallsend to Newcastle that would be the Q3 like tbh
Also the thing that absolutely annoys me about the 93/94 say you want to go to Bensham to Gateshead Stadium to watch a football match oh ill get the bus 93 goes there from bensham in a loop, oh wait it turns into the 94 you have to get off and wait 20 mins for another 93, its not how loops should work, same the 51/52 aswell.
Also every 15 mins from Gateshead to Metrocentre that is just reliability suicide, if anything the X66 needs bigger buses.
(14 Jan 2023, 12:28 am)Storx Yeah your right with the X66 had a brainfart there, thought it was every 15 minutes for a minute, not sure where that came from.
Could maybe have shorts aswell running Gateshead to Metro Centre only then so it's every 7.5 minutes instead.
Well you could renumber the Q2 and Q3 around wouldn't make too much difference ha. Was just thinking that I'd drop the Q3 on Sundays altogether and have the other 2 running every 30 minutes with even more shorts between Gateshead and the Metro Centre to get it upto every 10 minutes.
Think the electric buses would be quite popular on there and it'd be handy for Quayside people to get across and arguably just as quick from Jesmond etc when changing.
(14 Jan 2023, 12:28 am)Storx Yeah your right with the X66 had a brainfart there, thought it was every 15 minutes for a minute, not sure where that came from.
Could maybe have shorts aswell running Gateshead to Metro Centre only then so it's every 7.5 minutes instead.
Well you could renumber the Q2 and Q3 around wouldn't make too much difference ha. Was just thinking that I'd drop the Q3 on Sundays altogether and have the other 2 running every 30 minutes with even more shorts between Gateshead and the Metro Centre to get it upto every 10 minutes.
Think the electric buses would be quite popular on there and it'd be handy for Quayside people to get across and arguably just as quick from Jesmond etc when changing.
