(23 Oct 2023, 10:49 pm)Unber43 wrote So what would u change

The X34 being a non-Shields town centre based service is the one good thing of it. The services that don't connect you with the town centre aren't the best. At the nook we only have the 10/11 to get to Jarrow, but it's a long slog to get there. My daughter has a friends birthday party in Fellgate community centre soon and my partner asked how to get there. X34 to Boldon then switching onto the 5 isn't a great solution, but then again, is there that much demand to get to Fellgate from the Nook? For the kids in her class that's the only way for people who don't have cars that day, but in general I'm not sure.

In general South Shields has quite a good network. At the nook we have about 20 buses an hour going to the town centre, that's massive overkill, but they just happen to pass through the same point and are all well used, and like I said I can get to pretty much everywhere in South Shields I need to by bus from here.

(24 Oct 2023, 12:25 pm)deanmachine wrote The X34 being a non-Shields town centre based service is the one good thing of it. The services that don't connect you with the town centre aren't the best. At the nook we only have the 10/11 to get to Jarrow, but it's a long slog to get there. My daughter has a friends birthday party in Fellgate community centre soon and my partner asked how to get there. X34 to Boldon then switching onto the 5 isn't a great solution, but then again, is there that much demand to get to Fellgate from the Nook? For the kids in her class that's the only way for people who don't have cars that day, but in general I'm not sure.

In general South Shields has quite a good network. At the nook we have about 20 buses an hour going to the town centre, that's massive overkill, but they just happen to pass through the same point and are all well used, and like I said I can get to pretty much everywhere in South Shields I need to by bus from here.

Still think Stagecoach need to speculate. A working from Interchange straight along X20 route, Park Road to Jarrow, Victoria Road in and out of Hebburn via Metro station and straight to Heworth and along to Gateshead and Newcastle might be worth it if Go strikes can't be solved.

I'd revert the 10/11 back to South Shields- Jarrow only, and have a new service (14) South Shields- North Shields via South Shields Interchange, Western Approach, Laygate, Chichester Metro, Dean Road, Jarrow Road, Newcastle Road, A19 to Hedworth Lane, Hedworth Lane, Calf Close Lane, York Avenue, Jarrow Metro, Jarrow Morrisons, Tyne Tunnel, Howdon Road, Royal Quays Outlet, Howdon Road (The Parks) George Stephenson Way, Prince Consort Way, Smiths Dock, North Shields Ferry Landing, North Shields Transport Hub and mutual ticket acceptance

One I've had for a while: Gilley Law - Plains Farm - Springwell Rd - Chester Rd - Kayall Rd - St Lukes then former 11 route to the town, terminating on Fawcett Street, or via St Mary's Way and interworking with the 8 at John Street.
This will allow the 3 and 4 to skip Plains Farm.

(24 Oct 2023, 5:39 pm)F114TML wrote One I've had for a while: Gilley Law - Plains Farm - Springwell Rd - Chester Rd - Kayall Rd - St Lukes then former 11 route to the town, terminating on Fawcett Street, or via St Mary's Way and interworking with the 8 at John Street.
This will allow the 3 and 4 to skip Plains Farm.

Some reason, they've hoyed a new bus shelter up on Springwell road near the Doctors... a shelter, which no service will actually use.

To be fair looking at the situation with Go strike action, Stagecoach could do with some of that fight they showed post deregulation and get Perth to back them with cascades and new routes. Never known a company not take advantage of long term striking..

If stagecoach have enough drivers I sense a reintroduction of the 100. Maybe even via Gateshead.

Suprised they havent diverted the X24 to Washington or Concord, seems like it would be a good idea atm

(08 Nov 2023, 7:43 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote Suprised they havent diverted the X24 to Washington or Concord, seems like it would be a good idea atm

Surprised SNE are sitting back. Unlike Stagecoach not to sense blood in situations like this.

(08 Nov 2023, 7:50 pm)54APhotography wrote Surprised SNE are sitting back. Unlike Stagecoach not to sense blood in situations like this.

Kinda gutted they didn't add at least 1 extra late run on the X24, even if it was like after 9pm on a Friday/Saturday only.

(08 Nov 2023, 7:53 pm)Michael wrote Kinda gutted they didn't add at least 1 extra late run on the X24, even if it was like after 9pm on a Friday/Saturday only.

True. Never understand the reasoning for 20:05 last bus. Especially at the weekend.

(08 Nov 2023, 7:55 pm)54APhotography wrote True. Never understand the reasoning for 20:05 last bus. Especially at the weekend.

Same, its crazy, I've used the last X24 from Newcastle on a Saturday a few times and its been packed, really think they're missing out with the 56 not running, perfect opportunity for Stagecoach to grab the Sunderland passengers from the 56.

Most 56 passengers dont get on where the X24, they only share one stop, Fawcett street, no one is going to walk from Southwick, Concord etc.

Granted they might get SC into Sunderland.

(08 Nov 2023, 8:12 pm)Unber43 wrote Most 56 passengers dont get on where the X24, they only share one stop, Fawcett street, no one is going to walk from Southwick, Concord etc.

Granted they might get SC into Sunderland.

That's true but they'll probs have to travel to the City Centre atm anyway

Shame Stagecoach won't launch a service going via Southwick etc

Could do:

X14: Sunderland - Southwick - North Hylton Road - Nissan - non stop to Newcastle.

(08 Nov 2023, 8:16 pm)Michael wrote That's true but they'll probs have to travel to the City Centre atm anyway

Shame Stagecoach won't launch a service going via Southwick etc

Could do:

X14: Sunderland - Southwick - North Hylton Road - Nissan - non stop to Newcastle.

Surely anyone with sense would use the Metro... especially now the new fares are in. You'll be mentally deranged to use a bus from Sunderland City Centre to Newcastle unless there's something wrong with the Metro or you have a bus fetish.

The X24 is more about the West side of Sunderland to Newcastle without doubling back.

(08 Nov 2023, 8:23 pm)Storx wrote Surely anyone with sense would use the Metro... especially now the new fares are in. You'll be mentally deranged to use a bus from Sunderland City Centre to Newcastle unless there's something wrong with the Metro or you have a bus fetish.

The X24 is more about the West side of Sunderland to Newcastle without doubling back.

And arguably the north of Sunderland has been tried before in the form of the X36.

(08 Nov 2023, 8:36 pm)MurdnunoC wrote And arguably the north of Sunderland has been tried before in the form of the X36.

To be fair, it wasn't much of an express service, It was nearly an hour town to town.

(08 Nov 2023, 9:41 pm)deanmachine wrote To be fair, it wasn't much of an express service, It was nearly an hour town to town.

To be fair, wasn't it more about linking the Northern estates though, unless you run a bus services every 10 minutes. Outright non stop from Sunderland to Newcastle, there's just no reason to use it as the Metro will win in pretty much everything and lets be honest no-one in their right mind, bar a few days a year, wants to travel from Newcastle to Sunderland.

Buses can't even win on it actually turning up as they've been riddled with strikes and cancellations for the past few years.

For me' I've passed my test and I wasn't planning on getting a car till i absolutely need one (i think a lot of people might be in the same position) but the absolute piss take its been trying to get to Newcastle etc, and now the strike just tipped me over the edge and im getting a car.

(08 Nov 2023, 10:18 pm)Unber43 wrote For me' I've passed my test and I wasn't planning on getting a car till i absolutely need one (i think a lot of people might be in the same position) but the absolute piss take its been trying to get to Newcastle etc, and now the strike just tipped me over the edge and im getting a car.

Good. You won't regret it.

(08 Nov 2023, 10:13 pm)Storx wrote To be fair, wasn't it more about linking the Northern estates though, unless you run a bus services every 10 minutes. Outright non stop from Sunderland to Newcastle, there's just no reason to use it as the Metro will win in pretty much everything and lets be honest no-one in their right mind, bar a few days a year, wants to travel from Newcastle to Sunderland.

Buses can't even win on it actually turning up as they've been riddled with strikes and cancellations for the past few years.

Whereas the Metro has been reliable, with absolutely no issues ?. It always turns up, well apart from when it's raining, windy, foggy or there's low rail adhesion. We haven't seen any line closures and replacement buses for ages. The antique fleet is perfect, faultlessly running a issue-free Metro service every day...

Of course just ignore the expensive Metro fares, whether for just Metro or multi-modal (before the new TNE day ticket), and the fact I used to volunteer in Sunderland and spout out the same old lines, Metro is perfect and everyone should use it no matter the cost or the shit reliability, it's quick when it turns up, and if the line is open.

Sometimes its better to get on the 56 which takes an hour and 10 mins rahter than the 40 min metro because of the anti-social awful behaviour

(08 Nov 2023, 10:22 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Whereas the Metro has been reliable, with absolutely no issues ?. It always turns up, well apart from when it's raining, windy, foggy or there's low rail adhesion. We haven't seen any line closures and replacement buses for ages. The antique fleet is perfect, faultlessly running a issue-free Metro service every day...

Of course just ignore the expensive Metro fares, whether for just Metro or multi-modal (before the new TNE day ticket), and the fact I used to volunteer in Sunderland and spout out the same old lines, Metro is perfect and everyone should use it no matter the cost or the shit reliability, it's quick when it turns up, and if the line is open.

Exactly the same argument can be made about buses and, IIRC, don't you boycott Stagecoach for some of the same reasons as you outline above?

Storx is right. The majority of people travelling between Sunderland and Newcastle are going to opt for the Metro every single time. It's probably why express buses have never been that successful between the two, erm... one city and the other fake, wannabe city.

(08 Nov 2023, 10:32 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Exactly the same argument can be made about buses and, IIRC, don't you boycott Stagecoach for some of the same reasons as you outline above?

Storx is right. The majority of people travelling between Sunderland and Newcastle are going to opt for the Metro every single time. It's probably why express buses have never been that successful between the two, erm... one city and the other fake, wannabe city.

Theres a bit of a difference if a metro/train breaks down your screwed the line isnt moving possibly for hours like recently at Gateshead the bus there is one in the next half an hour (or should be )

(08 Nov 2023, 10:33 pm)Unber43 wrote Theres a bit of a difference if a metro/train breaks down your screwed the line isnt moving possibly for hours like recently at Gateshead the bus there is one in the next half an hour (or should be )

That really doesn't amtter.

The perception (and reality) is that the Metro is the quickest option available and the Great British Public will mostly believe that the scenario you posit won't happen to them and, thus, won't deter them from making decision to use the Metro.

(08 Nov 2023, 10:32 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Exactly the same argument can be made about buses and, IIRC, don't you boycott Stagecoach for some of the same reasons as you outline above?

Storx is right. The majority of people travelling between Sunderland and Newcastle are going to opt for the Metro every single time. It's probably why express buses have never been that successful between the two, erm... one city and the other fake, wannabe city.

I weigh up all the factors. Bus from Newcastle to Sunderland for say £4 return, for example, Metro from Newcastle to Sunderland £5.90 I believe. Probably both unreliable. Metro is quicker, so in a rush, yeah Metro, taking my time I'll save the money and go on the bus.

Had to suffer two Stagecoach journeys recently because of the GNE strike, awful. Late (about 15 mins each occasion) shit buses (melted seat backs, flaky paint on the handrails). Much happier with other companies and even the Metro as required.

So much rush...if the bus is £6 and the Metro is £100 (day tickets) Metro still win because it's quicker?

(08 Nov 2023, 10:33 pm)Unber43 wrote Theres a bit of a difference if a metro/train breaks down your screwed the line isnt moving possibly for hours like recently at Gateshead the bus there is one in the next half an hour (or should be )

Always the Metro (or train) for me. Sadly I moved abit south of Sunderland so rarely use the Metro. Btw, Sunderland’s a great place, so let’s keep on topic.

(08 Nov 2023, 10:22 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Whereas the Metro has been reliable, with absolutely no issues ?. It always turns up, well apart from when it's raining, windy, foggy or there's low rail adhesion. We haven't seen any line closures and replacement buses for ages. The antique fleet is perfect, faultlessly running a issue-free Metro service every day...

Of course just ignore the expensive Metro fares, whether for just Metro or multi-modal (before the new TNE day ticket), and the fact I used to volunteer in Sunderland and spout out the same old lines, Metro is perfect and everyone should use it no matter the cost or the shit reliability, it's quick when it turns up, and if the line is open.

Buses are just the same though.

On the fares thing, most people travelling commuting from Sunderland to Newcastle won't be doing it for minimum wage they'll be well over so will value that speed. 

One point, and it's by far the biggest point thought why people will actually use the Metro is, if the Metro says it takes 40 minutes, it will take 40 minutes. A timetabled 70 minutes, 56 might one day do that but all you need is something in Gateshead and you can add 10 minutes on, traffic around QE, add another 5, traffic in Wrekenton, add another 5, Nissan kicking out time, add another 5 and so on and you can't time it well.

Result it means if you start at work at 8.30am, you'd be pretty safe to get a train / Metro around 7.30am and be in work at time, if your late then it's likely the whole system has gone kaput and they'll understand. For that same time on a bus, you'll be looking at around a bus around 6.30am instead. The former is competitive with a car, the second isn't.

(08 Nov 2023, 10:41 pm)Economic505 wrote Always the Metro (or train) for me. Sadly I moved abit south of Sunderland so rarely use the Metro. Btw, Sunderland’s a great place, so let’s keep on topic.

The ‘let’s keep on topic ‘ was in relation to a few posts back.

(08 Nov 2023, 10:40 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote I weigh up all the factors. Bus from Newcastle to Sunderland for say £4 return, for example, Metro from Newcastle to Sunderland £5.90 I believe. Probably both unreliable. Metro is quicker, so in a rush, yeah Metro, taking my time I'll save the money and go on the bus.

Had to suffer two Stagecoach journeys recently because of the GNE strike, awful. Late (about 15 mins each occasion) shit buses (melted seat backs, flaky paint on the handrails). Much happier with other companies and even the Metro as required.

So much rush...if the bus is £6 and the Metro is £100 (day tickets) Metro still win because it's quicker?

But it's not though is it? And unlikely ever to be so your point is moot.