(15 Nov 2015, 10:26 pm)mb134 wrote My 1&2 suggestions were so that people in different parts of SE Northumberland could get around to visit family etc. Also, those who may live on a 1 or 2 route may not live on one of the Newcastle routes, it would provide a link.
If you didn't run both the X21 and X22, then I think running the 1 & 2 would be a necessity. I believe, however, that on this Boxing Day in particular, the X21/22 would make a shed load, I've been on X21's on a match day and they get pretty cramped, so couple that with Boxing Day sales...
I think Ashington, Blyth and Jesmond drivers would have to be used, they know their own routes inside out, where they can make up time, which, I imagine, is a pretty important thing on the suggested timetables.
Would be good to have the X22 but there'd be no combined frequency though as in order for the 35 and X14 to run, the X21 would to run via the Hartlands otherwise there won't be enough running time for the whole route.
Although it would be good for all three depots to be open, this would cost far too much and coupled by the fact that Blyth has suitable vehicles for all routes which would be covered on Boxing Day (well in terms of capacity), it would be a no brainer not to mention the extra revenue of the X10/X11 mirroring the 43 route between Cramlington and Newcastle despite the slightly longer journey time.