(25 May 2015, 9:27 am)DaveyBowyer wrote Can't remember where I saw it but somebody mentioned about the possibility of Streetlite MAXs on the 58 in the future? I think that the next step for the 58 would be deckers and the Versas would then go on the 27. Also  if Citylink got deckers, the 58x could be withdrawn (passengers could change onto the 309 / X39 at the Civic Centre) and in the afternoons to reduce the likelyhood of GNE having to allocate Lolynes and B7s onto main 309 / 310 services,  the 1605 X39 could continue to be Lolyne / B7 operated and the 1635 and 1705 X39 runs could be provided by Citylink deckers with the 310 continuing to be docked between Norham Road and Newcastle to provide extra 309s between Cobalt and Newcastle. Also, providing stand occupancy wouldn't be an issue at Haymarket, the Citylink deckers could also do the morning X39 runs to Cobalt allowing either the 310 to run more frequently or provide extra 309s between Newcastle and Cobalt.

I know it's a bit long winded but:
- It would increase capacity on the 58 to prevent overcrowding.
- All Cobalt to Newcastle services would have better punctuality.
- Extra buses to and from Cobalt on service 309.
- Reduced likelyhood of a significantly lower standard vehicle being allocated to a main 309 / 310 service like what the 1610, 1640 and 1742 services are currently allocated from Haymarket.
- PVR reduced by 3 buses saving on fuel, wages, dead mileage and other costs.
- Despite the direct link between Gateshead and Cobalt being dropped, customer satisfaction would improve particularly on the profitable yet competitive Coast Road corridor.