That's what I was getting at. Not far at all, yet for the sake of a few mins, anyone unable to make that short journey by foot (in either direction), needs to go sit on the bus for 40mins.

Appreciate going into Alnmouth may not be feasible, but looking at the timetable, calling at the station may be.

Does anyone know when the summer timetable is introduced?

When Arriva announced their changes for Northumberland which are happening later in March on their website at the bottom of that page they also said the new X18 summer timetable starts from May 24th. 

I agree that stopping at Alnmouth Station would make sense, it may encourage tourists to get the train to Alnmouth than a bus to their hotel on the coast. I can imagine some confused faces at the station bus stops though with the current situation of buses having the number and destination either side of stopping at Alnwick, how does a passenger tell whether a bus is going to or coming from Alnwick?

When Arriva announced their changes for Northumberland which are happening later in March on their website at the bottom of that page they also said the new X18 summer timetable starts from May 24th. 

I agree that stopping at Alnmouth Station would make sense, it may encourage tourists to get the train to Alnmouth than a bus to their hotel on the coast. I can imagine some confused faces at the station bus stops though with the current situation of buses having the number and destination either side of stopping at Alnwick, how does a passenger tell whether a bus is going to or coming from Alnwick?

Cheers.
Was hoping the summer runs started slightly earlier than that.

As for the other bit, not sure - a stop on the other side of the road may work?

Cheers.
Was hoping the summer runs started slightly earlier than that.

As for the other bit, not sure - a stop on the other side of the road may work?

Already is.

Station, up ramp, turn left stay on left side of road: Alnwick, Alnmouth and Berwick
Station, up ramp, cross road: Warkworth, Morpeth and Newcastle

I know I'm bringing back an old topic, but Arriva could use "Onwards to...", rather than "for" or "then"? It's different to what's traditionally used, but it makes sense. I'm not sure the current way of displaying the destination on the X93 will be able to be used without scrolling or coming across as two messages, especially with something like "Whitby for Guisborough and Middlesbrough".

Photo by Andrew Stopford
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thespian/14...80/in/pool-

Surely there are reasons why long routes like the X93 were required to be tachographed, and you'd think with all the splitting of routes which goes on these days, sooner or later VOSA or whoever will clamp down on this loophole?

If you can just operate a route of any length by just saying 'Via X and Y for Z' then why would any operator bother with tachos?

Surely there are reasons why long routes like the X93 were required to be tachographed, and you'd think with all the splitting of routes which goes on these days, sooner or later VOSA or whoever will clamp down on this loophole?

If you can just operate a route of any length by just saying 'Via X and Y for Z' then why would any operator bother with tachos?

A legally cleared loophole - the EU brought in the 50km (30-ish miles) regulation for Coach work across the EU but it also effected Bus Services here in the UK by effectively an accident. As such, the DfT put legal guidance out for operators to get round the accidental restriction by splitting a long route into 2 or 3 secitions - moving drivers off the EU hours (4hr 30mins maximum driving time before a meal break plus more complexed rest day guidelines etc) onto domestic hours which can improve situation such as delays on X93 to the point where drivers won't be going over their hours if delays occur.

Already is.

Station, up ramp, turn left stay on left side of road: Alnwick, Alnmouth and Berwick
Station, up ramp, cross road: Warkworth, Morpeth and Newcastle

Forgot about the other stop.

Dunno. You could have the to Longhoughton, Seahouses & Berwick AND to Alnwick and back to Alnmouth (cont to Berwick) at the same stops.
With the to Warkworth, Morpeth & Newcastle AND to Alnwick and back to Alnmouth (cont to Newcastle) on the other side of the road.

Surely it isn't beyond the beast of man to come up with something.

To make things easier. Separate the two sections into two services. X18 Newcastle to Alnwick. X17 Alnwick to Berwick. Makes the stopping arrangements a bit easier too.

If not, maybe Spirit buses could extend some of their peak time runs to the station, just that little bit further. The 15 could fill the void to cover that few miles gap.
Demand isn't going to be massive, but there must be enough demand to justify a more direct link than exists currently.

Could they introduce a kind of Town Service that Arriva used to operate (don't know if they or another operator still do?) something like this maybe:

Longhouton, Lesbury, Alnmouth Station, Alnmouth, Alnmouth Station, Alnwick, Lesbury, Longhouton? 

It would then continue to do that in a kind of loop.
Maybe a one hour frequency, timed to provide a 30 minute frequency when combined with the X18?

Edit: There could be another vehicle doing the loop in the other direction as well

Could they introduce a kind of Town Service that Arriva used to operate (don't know if they or another operator still do?) something like this maybe:

Longhouton, Lesbury, Alnmouth Station, Alnmouth, Alnmouth Station, Alnwick, Lesbury, Longhouton? 

It would then continue to do that in a kind of loop.
Maybe a one hour frequency, timed to provide a 30 minute frequency when combined with the X18?

Edit: There could be another vehicle doing the loop in the other direction as well

Possibly, but not sure there would be enough demand out of peaks or the summer, have such a frequent service.
It can be like a ghost town up there at times.

Definitely scope to improve services/connections beyond what is there at the moment.

Right folks, after the discussion between some of yous on the main forum for Arriva, I've decided to come up with this. Now I know that I've suggested something very similar to this before but, the benefits are massive. Please see the attached partial timetable with the times, frequencies and stands but I'll outline the routes for you all with no evening or Sunday variations at all:

- X31 from Seacrest Rd to Newcastle via Nth Seaton NSC / Fairfield Dr, Ashington Bus Stn, Nth Seaton Elephant, Stakeford Half Moon, Bedlington Stn, Bedlington Front St Red Lion, Bedlington Hartlands, A192, A1068 then limited stop via A1, Brunton Park, Polwarth Drive, Regent Centre, Gosforth Brandling Arms and Barras Bridge (to NCL only).

- X32 from Seacrest Rd to Newcastle via Cresswell Arms, Wansbeck Hospital, Ashington Bus Stn, Nth Seaton Elephant, Stakeford Half Moon, Bedlington Stn, Bedlington Front St Red Lion, Bedlington Hartlands, A192, A1068 then limited stop via A1, Brunton Park, Polwarth Drive, Regent Centre, Gosforth Brandling Arms and Barras Bridge (to NCL only).

- X33 from Ashington Bus Station to Newcastle via Ashington Town Centre, Ashington Park, Briardene, Stakeford Ashington Drive, Wansbeck Estate, Guide Post, Choppington, Bedlington Glebe Road Red Lion, Ridge Terrace, Nedderton Village, A192, A1068 then limited stop via A1, Brunton Park, Polwarth Drive, Regent Centre, Gosforth Brandling Arms and Barras Bridge (to NCL only).

- 35 increased to every 30 minutes during the evenings and on Sundays.

Now for Monday to Saturday daytime, the PVR would be 16 and it would work like this:
- X33 Ashington to Newcastle (1hr journey followed by 15 minute layover).
- X31 Newcastle to Newbiggin (1hr 11m journey followed by 15 minute layover).
- X31 Newbiggin to Newcastle (1hr 12m journey followed by 7 minute layover).
- X32 Newcastle to Newbiggin (1hr 13m journey followed by 11 minute layover).
- X32 Newbiggin to Newcastle (1hr 14m journey followed by 7 minute layover).
- X33 Newcastle to Ashington (1hr journey followed by 15 minute minute layover).

Now the Sunday daytime total PVR for the X31 / X32 / X33 and 35 would be 10 and it would work like this with two separate boards:
Board 1 with a PVR of 6:
- X33 Ashington to Newcastle (57m journey followed by 5 minute layover).
- X31 Newcastle to Newbiggin (1hr 10m journey followed by 4 minute layover).
- 35 Newbiggin to Morpeth (38m journey followed by 3 minute layover).
- 35 Morpeth to Newbiggin (37m journey followed by 5 minute layover).
- X31 Newbiggin to Newcastle (1hr 8m journey followed by 5 minute layover).
- X33 Newcastle to Ashington (58m journey followed by 10 minute layover).
Board 2 with a PVR of 4:
- 35 Morpeth to Newbiggin (37m journey followed by 4 minute layover).
- X32 Newbiggin to Newcastle (1hr 9m journey followed by 15 minute layover).
- X32 Newcastle to Newbiggin (1hr 11m journey followed by 3 minute layover).
- 35 Newbiggin to Morpeth (38m journey followed by 3 minute layover).

The main benefits of all of the above would be:
- Very generous layover time allowing services to make up lost time in out of the blue circumstances without having to up the timetable and make most journeys longer.
- Faster journey times from places on the current X21 route between Newbiggin and Bedlington to Newcastle.
- Regular service at all times through North Seaton even during evenings and Sundays.
- 35 increased to every 30 minutes during evenings and Sundays.
- Core up to 15 minute frequency from Newbiggin and between Ashington and Newcastle with another service providing all local links en-route.
- More frequent and even service from Bedlington Front Street Red Lion with 4 buses per hour running up to every 15 minutes.
- Nice, fast and easy to use bus service without having to take a grand de-tour of Nedderton Village (except the X33).
- Despite the X33 taking a longer route than the current X22, the journey time would most likely be the same due to all the delays that the X22 encounters between Glebe Road and Bedlington Front Street and with the 15 minute gap (technically 20) in service causing the current service to get hammered at the Red Lion Stop.
- Journeys towards Ashington between Newcastle and Stakeford (either Ashington Drive or Half Moon) given more time to complete their journey on a Sunday to help with congestion issues in Newcastle City Centre.

Here's a brief timetable (NOT AN OFFICIAL ARRIVA PUBLICATION): 

x31x32x33.pdf (Size 18.37 KB Downloads 35)

Now for branding:
- Arriva could ditch the Sapphire brand and perhaps re-introduce the Northumbria Express 'red meat' brand using the old NMS base livery. The logo could be the old NMS triangle with NORTHUMBRIA written at the top with a white line behind with EXPRESS written at the bottom of the logo with a white line behind express.
- On the front blind of the E400, the logo could be placed both left and right of the blind with NORTHUMBRIA written at the top of the blind and EXPRESS written at the bottom of the blind.
- On the panel below the drivers windscreen, perhaps some famous names to do with the area such as Jackie Millburn, could be applied to the panel.
- On the grey parts of the base coat above the passenger entrance and drivers cab window, the Arriva logo could be applied.
- On the panel covering the stair way on the offside, the Northumbria Express logo could be applied.
- On the panels between the upper and lower saloon on both sides, the route information could be applied like this
* X31 / X32 Newbiggin - Ashington - Stakeford - Bedlington - Newcastle up to every 15 minutes and fast.
then below it...........
* X33 Ashington - Wansbeck Estate - Guide Post - Choppington - Glebe Road - Nedderton - Newcastle up to every 30 minutes.
- On the rear of the E400, the Northumbria Express logo could be applied on the panel between the rear blind and upper saloon window.
- On the engine bay hood, either brief route information or taglines could be inserted.

How many times - that's going BACKWARDS! Arriva are looking forwards not backwards.

How many times - that's going BACKWARDS! Arriva are looking forwards not backwards.

But, combined frequencies don't matter if:
- Journeys are running unreliable.
- It takes 90 mins to get from Newbiggin to Newcastle during peak times.
- Passengers are seeking alternative means of transport and not generating extra custom on services.

There wasn't anything wrong with 'the express'. The only problem was that the X33 carried fresh air bar the peak times but, why should that section of the route have it's profits raised by serving the faster route between Bedlington and Newcastle and the other very profitable route gets a de-tour through a barely used but essential part of the route as a consequence?

Perhaps if Arriva had've put more marketing effort into the old X31 / X32, then they could've achieved the profits to subsidise the less well used outside of peak times, but essential X33 route. Ever since the changes in September 2012, both routes have been nout but trouble and inconvenience for passengers. 

And despite combined frequencies, most passengers would check the timetable to see which bus would get them from A- B faster. For instance, if I was travelling from Crawcrook or Ryton to Newcastle, I would check both the TEN and 11 times and if an 11 was due a mere few minutes after, I'd wait for the 11 due to the more direct route via Scotswood Road.

How many times - that's going BACKWARDS! Arriva are looking forwards not backwards.

People only need to know the number and destination to get to their destination, frequencies don't matter, it's better having more services from Ashington - Newcastle than limited to a 20 minute frequency.

As for the branding - that's a good idea, 'Sapphire' and 'MAX' have nothing to do with Ashington, Bedlington etc. Something local instead of something that can be seen everywhere.

What needs to be looked at is a busway that bypasses Gosforth, that could cut 10+ minutes off the journeys.

Free Wifi, leather seating, NSAs and power sockets should come as standard in the next services to get an upgrade, not having brands that discriminate Morpeth etc. by not having 'Sapphire' on their routes.

The proposal that Davey is suggesting is a good one, this could be brought in as part as the Ashington redevelopments, but with minor timetable changes so that its quicker to pass through Ashington instead of the five sets of traffic lights around the bus station coming from Newbiggin etc.

People only need to know the number and destination to get to their destination, frequencies don't matter, it's better having more services from Ashington - Newcastle than limited to a 20 minute frequency.

As for the branding - that's a good idea, 'Sapphire' and 'MAX' have nothing to do with Ashington, Bedlington etc. Something local instead of something that can be seen everywhere.

What needs to be looked at is a busway that bypasses Gosforth, that could cut 10+ minutes off the journeys.

Free Wifi, leather seating, NSAs and power sockets should come as standard in the next services to get an upgrade, not having brands that discriminate Morpeth etc. by not having 'Sapphire' on their routes.

The proposal that Davey is suggesting is a good one, this could be brought in as part as the Ashington redevelopments, but with minor timetable changes so that its quicker to pass through Ashington instead of the five sets of traffic lights around the bus station coming from Newbiggin etc.

You'd still have a 15 minute combined frequency from Newbiggin Seacrest Rd then between Ashington and Newcastle via the current X21 route to Bedlington them X22 route from there to Newcastle. Would also take alot of pressure of the X20 due to the 52 minute journey time from Ashington. Unless passengers want two SLOW services from Ashington to Newcastle, then both sections of both routes between Ashington and  Bedlington and Bedlington and Newcastle, can't be combined to achieve fast journey times. Faster journey times are far more impprtant than a fancy combined 10 mimute frequency that only does combine at Ashington then between the A192 and Newcastle. The X31 / X32 services alongside a standalome X33 service with a bit of marketing and awareness would be far better.

From what I've seen this week when doing journeys all the way through, I think the following would be beneficial:

• Layover time at Bedlington, I noticed that if services from Newcastle were busy before reaching here it was extremely hard for drivers to keep to, or make up time before reaching Ashington. Likewise, services from Ashington, if late, could do with some time here to get passengers on and to make it easier for the driver to keep to time for the next bit, as they wouldn't have to be constantly pushing to make it up.
  
• A frequent Ashington/ Bedlington service to complement the express routes, I noticed that while there were a lot of people using the bus for the duration, some were hopping between a few stops.
  

For my local service suggestion, maybe something like this :
Ashington Bus Station - Stakeford - Bedlington Station -Bedlington- Nedderton- Bedlington Hartlands- Choppington -Guide Post- Ashington


And another bus doing the same loop but in the other direction. 

From what I've seen this week when doing journeys all the way through, I think the following would be beneficial:

• Layover time at Bedlington, I noticed that if services from Newcastle were busy before reaching here it was extremely hard for drivers to keep to, or make up time before reaching Ashington. Likewise, services from Ashington, if late, could do with some time here to get passengers on and to make it easier for the driver to keep to time for the next bit, as they wouldn't have to be constantly pushing to make it up.
  
• A frequent Ashington/ Bedlington service to complement the express routes, I noticed that while there were a lot of people using the bus for the duration, some were hopping between a few stops.
  

For my local service suggestion, maybe something like this :
Ashington Bus Station - Stakeford - Bedlington Station -Bedlington- Nedderton- Bedlington Hartlands- Choppington -Guide Post- Ashington


And another bus doing the same loop but in the other direction. 

JUST SCRAP IT! Nobody wants to go on a mile diversion that nobody uses, I'd rather change at Bedlington to hop on the X22 so I don't die of boredom.

JUST SCRAP IT! Nobody wants to go on a mile diversion that nobody uses, I'd rather change at Bedlington to hop on the X22 so I don't die of boredom.

That was for my local service suggestion, so that that side of Bedlington, Nedderton and the Hartlands had a local bus service that didn't impact the express punctuality 

Edit: I also know, for a fact, that people do use the Nedderton section of the route, especially the section out of Bedlington. 

Or, they could have another service serve Nedderton completely and have both the X21 / X22 running via the Hartlands with a few timetable adjustments with both services running every 9-11 minutes combined. I'll come up with something later on.

That was for my local service suggestion, so that that side of Bedlington, Nedderton and the Hartlands had a local bus service that didn't impact the express punctuality 

Edit: I also know, for a fact, that people do use the Nedderton section of the route, especially the section out of Bedlington. 

The section along where that pub/carvery is does get well used, possibly a shuttle service '121' could link them places with the revised X21?

The section along where that pub/carvery is does get well used, possibly a shuttle service '121' could link them places with the revised X21?

I think a town service between Ashington and Bedlington would be the best bet, I'll make something later on so that it's obvious what I'm going for.

Got a few suggestions for bus service changes in Morpeth:

I've noticed a few reliability issues with the 57A, generally the 57 is spot on, but the 57A seems to be late often. I think this could possibly be down to the short layover after working the 33/X14. Also, the 2 can be late often. So, what I would suggest to happen is:

-Service 2 curtailed to operate between Blyth and Morpeth Bus Station, only serves Kirkhill evening/Sundays.
-Service 33 to operate as a standalone service, hourly between Kirkhill and Lancaster Park, and half hourly between Kirkhill and Morpeth.
-Services 57A and X14 have better layover time at Morpeth to improve reliability.

How would you get drivers to Morpeth for reliefs on service 33? This is exactly why the whole lot is interworked at present

Ok folks, here is my 'not outdated or 'back in time' suggestion as to what should happen with services X21 / X22:

Timing samples: 

Services X21 X22 57 42.pdf (Size 302.6 KB Downloads 49)

Summary of suggested changes: 

Service suggestion X21 X22 57 42.pdf (Size 112.15 KB Downloads 109)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL ARRIVA DOCUMENT, IT'S MERELY AN ENTHUSIAST'S SUGGESTION!

Actually, just an amendment to the PVR section, the 306 / 308 operations would remain the same and Blyth would just work the 42 / 57 during evenings and Sundays.

Just need 6100 from Deptford now

How would you get drivers to Morpeth for reliefs on service 33? This is exactly why the whole lot is interworked at present

Never saw this before, the X14/X15/X18 change drivers at Morpeth?
Also if that is the reason they are interworked, then where do they change drivers? As none of them serve Ashington. 

X21 - Sunderland - Ryhope - New Seaham - Dalton Park - Murton - South Hetton - Easington Lane - High Pittington - Sherburn Village - A1(M) Direct - Newton Aycliffe - Aycliffe Village - Harrowgate Hill - Darlington
Replacing current X21 Hourly

X22 - Sunderland - Ryhope - New Seaham - Dalton Park - Murton - South Hetton - Easington Lane - High Pittington - Carville - Durham
Operating Hourly alongside the X21, Providing a Faster Journey Time between Sunderland and Durham compared to the existing Service 22.

X23 - Darlington - Aycliffe Village - Newton Aycliffe - A1(M) Direct - Durham - Framwellgate Moor - Chester le Street - A1(M) Direct - Low Fell - Gateshead - Newcastle
Operating Hourly providing a Service Every 20 Minutes between Durham and Newcastle alongside Service X12.

X21 - Sunderland - Ryhope - New Seaham - Dalton Park - Murton - South Hetton - Easington Lane - High Pittington - Sherburn Village - A1(M) Direct - Newton Aycliffe - Aycliffe Village - Harrowgate Hill - Darlington
Replacing current X21 Hourly

X22 - Sunderland - Ryhope - New Seaham - Dalton Park - Murton - South Hetton - Easington Lane - High Pittington - Carville - Durham
Operating Hourly alongside the X21, Providing a Faster Journey Time between Sunderland and Durham compared to the existing Service 22.

X23 - Darlington - Aycliffe Village - Newton Aycliffe - A1(M) Direct - Durham - Framwellgate Moor - Chester le Street - A1(M) Direct - Low Fell - Gateshead - Newcastle
Operating Hourly providing a Service Every 20 Minutes between Durham and Newcastle alongside Service X12.

Not really sure about the X21 suggestion, very few people from Darlington and Newton Aycliffe get the current 21/X21 to Sunderland (in fact I wouldn't at all be surprised if me and Dan were the only people to go this far on the 21/X21).

The X23 suggestion it would probably be better to run it via the A167 missing Chilton and Ferryhill out and possibly stop at all stops en-route to Durham including Croxdale as it could possibly pick up some of the GNE X21 custom as looking on Google Maps it would take the same length of time as going direct via the A1(M) and going via the A167 would also be less miles.

Not really sure about the X21 suggestion, very few people from Darlington and Newton Aycliffe get the current 21/X21 to Sunderland (in fact I wouldn't at all be surprised if me and Dan were the only people to go this far on the 21/X21).

The X23 suggestion it would probably be better to run it via the A167 missing Chilton and Ferryhill out and possibly stop at all stops en-route to Durham including Croxdale as it could possibly pick up some of the GNE X21 custom as looking on Google Maps it would take the same length of time as going direct via the A1(M) and going via the A167 would also be less miles.

Think it would pick up some Passengers around Murton/Dalton Park, obviously if the Service and the Links it provides were Promoted by Arriva then it may help the Service grow.

As for the X23, I wasnt sure which way to have it go into Durham, but thought it would be quicker going via the A1 rather the A167 and it following the 7 too much, And good point regarding the GNEX21 actually.

X21 - Sunderland - Ryhope - New Seaham - Dalton Park - Murton - South Hetton - Easington Lane - High Pittington - Sherburn Village - A1(M) Direct - Newton Aycliffe - Aycliffe Village - Harrowgate Hill - Darlington
Replacing current X21 Hourly

X22 - Sunderland - Ryhope - New Seaham - Dalton Park - Murton - South Hetton - Easington Lane - High Pittington - Carville - Durham
Operating Hourly alongside the X21, Providing a Faster Journey Time between Sunderland and Durham compared to the existing Service 22.

X23 - Darlington - Aycliffe Village - Newton Aycliffe - A1(M) Direct - Durham - Framwellgate Moor - Chester le Street - A1(M) Direct - Low Fell - Gateshead - Newcastle
Operating Hourly providing a Service Every 20 Minutes between Durham and Newcastle alongside Service X12.

your X22 is duplicating GNE routes, and also between South Hetton and Durham route, Arriva already done this route before and couldn't keep it running as a profit, this is why it had to be secured under DCC, and now GNE runs that route.

your X23, cheaper and quicker by train. and also if the service gets held up in city traffic etc.. it will cause a knock on effect at either end.

your X21, so u need more buses to do this service and it will run at a loss.

Not really sure about the X21 suggestion, very few people from Darlington and Newton Aycliffe get the current 21/X21 to Sunderland (in fact I wouldn't at all be surprised if me and Dan were the only people to go this far on the 21/X21).

The X23 suggestion it would probably be better to run it via the A167 missing Chilton and Ferryhill out and possibly stop at all stops en-route to Durham including Croxdale as it could possibly pick up some of the GNE X21 custom as looking on Google Maps it would take the same length of time as going direct via the A1(M) and going via the A167 would also be less miles.

ive done the 21 route before from Peterlee and never again, next time I get the 22 or 24 to Durham and board service 7.