(17 Apr 2023, 12:13 am)markydh wrote They both played 'pretend nice' over this because they know fine well that if Labour win the North East Mayoralty next year (which is highly likely), one of the first things they are likely to explore is full-on franchising which is one of the proposed powers.  They need to show willing to cooperate on things like this because it's their only chance (and a slim one at that) at preventing it.

(03 May 2023, 4:13 pm)L469 YVK wrote Had a think about this.....when the £2 fare stops at the end of June and if not extended, could GNE & Arriva not implement these fare zones for single & return tickets for the 306/307/308/309?

- Newcastle City area
- Wallsend*
- North Shields & Whitley Bay*
- Blyth Valley & Seaton Sluice

*Silverlink, Middle Engine Lane / Cobalt South & all of Cobalt Park would fall under both the Wallsend and North Shields & Whitley Bay zones.

(03 May 2023, 4:15 pm)Unber43 wrote The £2 fare can't/shouldn't end in June,

(03 May 2023, 6:17 pm)RobinHood wrote A qualifying agreement doesn't set single or return fares and it would not pass the competition test if it did. Unfortunately, not going to happen as the CMA won't allow it.

(31 May 2023, 4:22 pm)L469 YVK wrote With news of the STACK opening in Whitley Bay and a Qualifying Agreement in place, could this not open up the opportunity of a Newcastle - Whitley Bay / Blyth night bus especially if a 1AM licence is granted on Fridays & Saturdays?

N38 - Newcastle Haymarket* - Newgate Street Wilkinsons - Market Street West - New Bridge Street West - John Dobson Street - Coast Road - High Farm - Battle Hill - Willington Square - Billy Mill - NT Hospital - Whitley Bay Park Avenue - Whitley Bay Seafront

*Note that NCL bound journeys would serve St Mary's Place then Haymarket.

Think Blyth would be a stretch too far although no harm in extending the 23:45 309 to Blyth (would give a last bus from W.Bay at nearly 12.30am).

Coaster StreetLites initially used.

(31 May 2023, 7:21 pm)Unber43 wrote I wonder if GNE would do a N1, N309 (so they can possibly do bits of the 310/309/306 as part of a new route_

(31 May 2023, 7:42 pm)Storx wrote Doubt it on the Coast Road corridor, the last 2 times they've tried it along there (N58) it failed both times.

(31 May 2023, 9:57 pm)L469 YVK wrote I think if the STACK got awarded a 1am licence, things would be a lot different this time around:

- Whereas the 'good old days' of a Whitley Bay night out would likely just attract locals around NE25, NE26, NE27 and NE29 plus a few from other areas, the new STACK effectively replaces what already existed North of The Tyne. There's been no STACK North of The Tyne since Pilgrim Street closed. And I do actually know of a few people who travel over to Seaburn for their STACK.

- When the N58 existed, it was red-meat all around between GNE & Arriva. Things are different now with the Qualifying Agreement and effectively, a new night bus would be a 'joint venture' between TNE, GNE and Arriva although GNE would likely be the operator.

- In relation to above, people back then wouldn't exactly associate the N58 with the 308. But an N38 with joint ticketing would effectively be seen as a night time variant of the 308 (although serving Battle Hill & High Farm).

- Bus stop very closeby the new proposed location of the STACK (the old Avenue Pub).

- More fuel efficient vehicles available to use (Citaro back on the N58 vs StreetLites). Note that GNE could technically use the 1 arriving at the MetroCentre (0003) to form a departure after midnight from Newcastle back towards the Coast.

- Cost of Taxis vs Cost of Bus (although Taxis in 'some' instances are cheaper). 

- Student population travelling to Whitley Bay STACK and looking for cheap way back home.

(31 May 2023, 9:57 pm)L469 YVK wrote I think if the STACK got awarded a 1am licence, things would be a lot different this time around:

- Whereas the 'good old days' of a Whitley Bay night out would likely just attract locals around NE25, NE26, NE27 and NE29 plus a few from other areas, the new STACK effectively replaces what already existed North of The Tyne. There's been no STACK North of The Tyne since Pilgrim Street closed. And I do actually know of a few people who travel over to Seaburn for their STACK.

- When the N58 existed, it was red-meat all around between GNE & Arriva. Things are different now with the Qualifying Agreement and effectively, a new night bus would be a 'joint venture' between TNE, GNE and Arriva although GNE would likely be the operator.

- In relation to above, people back then wouldn't exactly associate the N58 with the 308. But an N38 with joint ticketing would effectively be seen as a night time variant of the 308 (although serving Battle Hill & High Farm).

- Bus stop very closeby the new proposed location of the STACK (the old Avenue Pub).

- More fuel efficient vehicles available to use (Citaro back on the N58 vs StreetLites). Note that GNE could technically use the 1 arriving at the MetroCentre (0003) to form a departure after midnight from Newcastle back towards the Coast.

- Cost of Taxis vs Cost of Bus (although Taxis in 'some' instances are cheaper). 

- Student population travelling to Whitley Bay STACK and looking for cheap way back home.

(01 Jun 2023, 8:19 pm)Unber43 wrote I think this is just a massive overeggageration of what the stack will do for passenger numbers

(05 Jun 2023, 1:20 pm)Ambassador wrote Has Stack at Seaburn generated an immediate need for night buses?

For the vast majority of 'revellers' they're gonna grab an Uber or private cab home - they ain't going to be jumping on a bus

(17 Jul 2023, 7:55 pm)L469 YVK wrote So....I've worked the timings out and will publish when I next get a chance. But the below would solve:

* Lack of a fast bus for the more Eastern parts of the 308 & 309. Slow links from parts of West Chirton, North Shields and Marden

* Increasing congestion issues around Whitley Bay, Foxhunters & Rake Lane = more running time for X38

* Proper integration of the 51/351 into the Coast Road network


304 (every 30 mins to Holystone Park, every 60 mins to Whitley Bay)
- Newcastle Haymarket - Coast Road - Station Road - Benton ASDA - Holystone - Holystone Park - West Allotment - Shiremoor - Earsdon - Beaumont Park - Whitley Bay

305 (every 30 mins)
- Newcastle Haymarket - Coast Road - Wiltshire Drive - High Farm - Battle Hill Drive - Hadrian Park

306 (every 15 mins)
- Newcastle Haymarket - Coast Road - Selby Gardens - Wallsend Dene - Willington Square - Silverlink - Norham Road - Verne Road - Central Avenue - Delaval Avenue - Chirton Green - Hawkeys Lane - Queen Alexandra Road - North Shields - Tynemouth

307 (every 30 mins)
- Same as now but via Cobalt Park, A191 New York Road and Norham Road North rather than Hadrian Park

309 (every 30 mins)
- Same as now but via Marden and the Broadway rather than Foxhunters & Hillheads

X38 (every 15 mins)
- Same as 308 between Blyth and Coast Road / Willington Square, then non-stop to Haymarket only calling at Civic Centre and St Mary's place
- Peak time journeys in the according direction additionally serve all stops between Coast Road / Station Road and Coast Road / Willington Square for St Thomas More students

Combined frequencies & key corridors :
- Newcastle - Coast Road / Station Road - every 5 minutes

- Newcastle - Coast Road - High Farm - Battle Hill - Cobalt Park - every 15 minutes (+305 half hourly to Battle Hill)

- Newcastle - Coast Road - Wallsend Dene - Willington Square - Silverlink - West Chirton - Chirton - North Shields - Tynemouth - every 15 minutes (+ X38 for some parts)

- Blyth - Seaton Sluice - Whitley Bay - North Tyneside Hospital - Billy Mill - Norham Road - Silverlink - Willington Square then fast to Newcastle - every 15 minutes


Current PVR's (Total = 31.5):
- 51/351 - 2.5x
- Arriva Northumbria 306 & 308 (interworking) - 15x
- Go North East 307 (standalone) - 6x
- Go North East 309 (standalone) - 8x

New PVR's (31):
- Go North East 304/305 (interworking) - 6x
- Arriva Northumbria 306/X38 (interworking) - 17x
- Go North East 307 - 4x
- Go North East 309 - 4x

(17 Jul 2023, 10:32 pm)V514DFT wrote You just know someone is gonna disect this

(18 Jul 2023, 7:16 pm)L469 YVK wrote People are going to agree & disagree. That's the whole part of the forum.

In terms of the benefits for each service

304:
- Improved frequency on parts with newer developments and potential growth including practically same route as car between Holystone and Newcastle.
- Better commercial footing with proper integration along the Coast Road and revenue streams.

305:
- Covers the hard to serve areas and frees up other resources such as allowing the 307 to maintain a frequent Cobalt - Newcastle service alongside the 309.

306:
- Offers a faster service for users in West Chirton, Chirton and parts of North Shields including new links opened up.
- Potential growth with new housing developments around West Chirton and Norham Road area.
- Some new links opened up.

307 & 309:
- Improved Cobalt to Newcastle service including some new links opened up to Cobalt.
- Faster and more logical Marden - Newcastle service including the Marden - NT Hospital link being restored.
- Improved timekeeping and reduced congestion especially on service 309.

X38:
- Allows extra time to be added between Blyth & Billy Mill addressing issues with traffic blackspots.
- Potential growth with new housing development near North Tyneside Hospital.
- Reduces overbussing between Whitley Bay and Blyth, connection opportunities offered with the 309 for Cobalt and all stops with the 306.

(18 Jul 2023, 7:50 pm)Storx wrote Not going to comment on it all, but some should be swapped around imo.

308: 309 route from Newcastle to Battle Hill -> Silverlink -> 308 route to NT Hospital -> Morrisons -> Marden -> Whitley Bay (Every 30 Minutes)
X38: Same as below but 308 route in Blyth (Every 30 Minutes)
X39: 309 route from Blyth to Cobalt -> Silverlink -> Willington Quay -> Non Stop -> Newcastle (Every 30 Minutes)
X38/X39: Every 15 Minutes Combined offering express route between Cobalt and Newcastle.

The business park needs the express service if any and would give a direct service to Silverlink without having to use the horrid roundabout stops. Not to mention you'd keep the Battle Hill links to Silverlink since you've pulled the 306 out.

(18 Jul 2023, 7:50 pm)Storx wrote Not going to comment on it all, but some should be swapped around imo.

308: 309 route from Newcastle to Battle Hill -> Silverlink -> 308 route to NT Hospital -> Morrisons -> Marden -> Whitley Bay (Every 30 Minutes)
X38: Same as below but 308 route in Blyth (Every 30 Minutes)
X39: 309 route from Blyth to Cobalt -> Silverlink -> Willington Quay -> Non Stop -> Newcastle (Every 30 Minutes)
X38/X39: Every 15 Minutes Combined offering express route between Cobalt and Newcastle.

The business park needs the express service if any and would give a direct service to Silverlink without having to use the horrid roundabout stops. Not to mention you'd keep the Battle Hill links to Silverlink since you've pulled the 306 out.

(21 Aug 2023, 7:01 pm)L469 YVK wrote Whitley Bay STACK has been granted a 1pm licence.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/major-boost-stack-whitley-bay-27565075.amp

Surely this could be an opportunity to test the water with a night service?

Something like this to start with using the 2212 Coaster 1 ex Whitley Bay after it arrives at the MetroCentre at 0003.

N38 - Grainger Street - Market Street West - Pilgrim Street - John Dobson Street - As per 309 to Battle Hill Drive - Willington Square - As per 308 to Whitley Bay Seafront. And would be using a StreetLite further reducing costs.

ex Newcastle: 00:25
arr Whitley Bay: 01:05
ex Whitley Bay: 01:10
arr Newcastle: 01:50
ex Newcastle: 02:10
arr Whitley Bay: 02:50

(21 Aug 2023, 7:01 pm)L469 YVK wrote Whitley Bay STACK has been granted a 1pm licence.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/major-boost-stack-whitley-bay-27565075.amp

Surely this could be an opportunity to test the water with a night service?

Something like this to start with using the 2212 Coaster 1 ex Whitley Bay after it arrives at the MetroCentre at 0003.

N38 - Grainger Street - Market Street West - Pilgrim Street - John Dobson Street - As per 309 to Battle Hill Drive - Willington Square - As per 308 to Whitley Bay Seafront. And would be using a StreetLite further reducing costs.

ex Newcastle: 00:25
arr Whitley Bay: 01:05
ex Whitley Bay: 01:10
arr Newcastle: 01:50
ex Newcastle: 02:10
arr Whitley Bay: 02:50

(21 Aug 2023, 8:29 pm)Storx wrote Don't really see why the Coast Road would be the best corridor.

The N58 already failed when Whitley Bay was at it's peak, it won't be anywhere near as popular the Stack.