(03 Nov 2015, 11:36 am)Venturego wrote The problem has arisen from reducing the Diamond (former 43/44) route from Stanley to Newcastle from 4 per hour to 2 per hour on new service 6. The Hobson section having previously been operated by 44. - Solution would be to re-adopt the former route/timings of 43/44 as possibly 6 & 6A.
Lintz estate could be picked up by Nexus R5 or Venture V7 and Sunniside Glebeway routing could be picked up by Whickham local services to Metro Centre where further connections can be made to Newcastle etc... - This would give a quicker and more comfortable journey from Stanley, Metro Ctr & Newcastle. Not sure if it may reduce PVR from former 43/44 Diamond. - Maybe when new Streetlites arrive?
I travelled from Stanley to Newcastle last week on Omnidekka and it was torture. Windows misted up, Seat too uncomfortable (almost upright) - Service has definitely been downgraded.
Not sure we will see a return to the old routes/timings.
Maybe a revision and compromise of some sort?
Whilst operationally, using an 11/12 year old decker on a reduced frequency may make sense - not sure it makes sense to a customer, used to the comfort of a Merc.
Particularly if they live/work in Hobson!
An interesting one. Definitely one to keep an eye on.