(22 Dec 2023, 8:53 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote The X16 has been a mixed allocation so far.  How will the interworking pattern look?

(22 Dec 2023, 9:48 pm)solsburian wrote Something like the reinstatement of a service to Woller would have been better than the 777 IMHO, but the BSIP madness continues.

(22 Dec 2023, 10:09 pm)mb134 wrote Surely the 777 is a prime example of BSIP funding being used well? 

Creates new links, gives rural locations a service, and with the airport link has the potential to stand on its own two feet once the funding has ran out. 

Not saying that something like a Wooler service isn't deserving of some funding, but the 777 is a good use of the money IMO.

(22 Dec 2023, 10:17 pm)solsburian wrote The 777 is not a good case of money we'll spent. I would be more forgiving if it was the Airport sponsoring the service, but it is not an example of a hub and spoke model that can make it sustainable. The airport only has a limited amount of employment opportunities and unless it was to terminate in Newcastle (ignoring the fact the Metro overlaps from Kingston park), it is going to have limited employment and leasire opportunities.

The minute the funding runs out I'd be willing to bet the service will be pulled.

(22 Dec 2023, 10:05 am)tyresmoke wrote Full details have now been posted!

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-in-northumberland-and-tyne-and-wear-jan-24


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

(22 Dec 2023, 9:48 pm)solsburian wrote Something like the reinstatement of a service to Woller would have been better than the 777 IMHO, but the BSIP madness continues.

(22 Dec 2023, 11:40 pm)solsburian wrote My point still stands. The 777 is a niche spoke to spoke service that, unlike the 57a changes, will unlikely survive when the BSIP funding is removed. The poor connectivity to the airport is somewhat moot when air passengers will likely get a taxi or drive regardless of the bus service. The 777 will not fix that., unless they operate it basically 24 hours.

(22 Dec 2023, 11:54 pm)Shrek wrote If you've got an early or late flight then yes, you'll be using a taxi. But I always use public transport to get to the airport when it's an option, and I know loads of others who do. Especially if fares remain cheap on the bus, it can be a far better option than a taxi.

I know a couple of people who have to get to Kirkley daily and really struggle with the journey. This will be a lifeline for them and give them far better flexibility in their travel. As others have pointed out, Ponteland to Kingston Park or Morpeth also have real potential. 

It's not guaranteed to work after funding runs out, but I honestly think it will work a lot better than you think.

(06 Jan 2024, 1:06 am)lloyd647 wrote I start at Ashington depot this week already have my PCV licence does anyone know what the current rotas/rota are like. Will I be able to get on the X18/X15/X14/X16 rota.

(07 Jan 2024, 12:16 am)Jimmi wrote From 7th January 2024, there will be minor changes to Service 24 Hartlepool to Durham and Service 6 Durham to Cockfield.

Service 24 The current 2100 Monday to Friday journey from Hartlepool will depart at 2055 and run 5 minutes earlier throughout, following customer feedback.

Service 6 1657, 1717 and 1742 Monday to Friday journeys from Durham will run 3 minutes later from South Road Colleges onwards following a punctuality review.

(06 Jan 2024, 10:52 pm)solsburian wrote With all of these service improvements and new services, can we expect any additions/cascades to the fleet?

(12 Feb 2024, 3:28 pm)mb134 wrote There is a timetable, and route, variation for the 306/308 from 24th March. Wild theories incoming...

There are also timetable changes to:
43, 44, 45, X7, X8, X21, X22.

(12 Feb 2024, 3:28 pm)mb134 wrote There is a timetable, and route, variation for the 306/308 from 24th March. Wild theories incoming...

There are also timetable changes to:
43, 44, 45, X7, X8, X21, X22.

(12 Feb 2024, 5:31 pm)Storx wrote Not surprised to see the X7 and X8 on there, the timetable is an absolute shambles still around this time pretty much every night, especially Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

I know it'll remove the new bus stops near Miller and Carter but they really need to pull them off the A189 / Killingworth Way and avoid Sandy Lane Roundabouts. It's much quicker to go via Killingworth nowadays and demand changes for them to re serve it (ie. bus gate off Great Lime Road).

No doubt they'll change the times by 2 minutes or something again which won't do the bot of difference.

(12 Feb 2024, 6:25 pm)Shrek wrote Do Arriva get money from the developers of those new estates around Sandy Lane at the moment? I can't be 100% sure, but I think I read something about funding for public transport links being part of their planning approval?

(12 Feb 2024, 6:06 pm)Aaron21 wrote 306 route change will be to do with Tynemouth as they seem to be making Sea Banks Road near the priory Castle a 1 way system (towards Whitley Bay) so possibly just sending the 306 up Percy Park Road

(12 Feb 2024, 6:48 pm)mb134 wrote You mean they won't be aligning with any of the hundreds of Coast Road suggestions on here? Shocked.

(12 Feb 2024, 7:22 pm)V514DFT wrote When the X7/X8 was the X4/X5, even the 363/364, they always went via Station Road/Northumbrian Way and through Westmoor that way, i understand the rerouting as it was covered by the 52/53/54 (in parts), but now an arguement could be made to send them back that way again now that Arriva no longer run those services

(12 Feb 2024, 7:46 pm)Storx wrote Only the 363/364 done that route, the X24/X25 went direct from Annitsford straight to South Gosforth pretty much. I believe they changed it though as it was quicker the route it goes now - used to be traffic problems in West Moor aswell. It was only after 2016 or so when they pissed about with Sandy Lane which now backs onto the roundabout when it got worse, which miraculously they've made even worse with the traffic lights.

I believe the 52/54 were formed when they went with the absolute crackjack idea of sending the X4/X5 via Gosforth and the Freeman respectively which went down like a lead balloon. I must admit, I never really returned since and always go for a bus or lift to the Metro and in that way instead as it's just as quick. Horrific decision and one they were pretty much forced to do.

The 52 was the 340/342, the 53 - 343/344 and the 54 - 356 before all the pissing about though, guessing you know that though.