(29 May 2016, 8:29 am)Jamie M wrote "89" - Hexham express.
Consett - Castleside - A68 - Riding Mill - Corbridge Hexham
Much quicker than the 689 for those who want to get from Consett to Hexham quickly. Wouldn't have to run much at all, maybe after the last 689 in the evenings/mornings.
Could interwork with the 16 on a Sunday, even.
(30 May 2016, 1:22 pm)northern156 wrote What would it offer over and above the current 689? As a company I'd rather keep just the one service for simplicity (X21 and 21 for example are very much different routes), and run more morning/evening services if needs be.
I don't think an express bus service is justifiable for saving, what, 5-10 minutes off the current one - especially as the 689 is mostly 60mph roads anyhow.
Just to add to the point Northern 156 has made:
Whenever I've past the 689 it only ever seems to be carrying a handful of people. Aside from enthusiasts, it's unlikely to be carrying passengers point to point. I've noticed passengers boarding/alighting at both Slaley and Slaley Hall which is probably where the service receives most of its regular patronage. By diverting the service away from the area and into areas covered by other services (Consett-Castleside; Riding Mill-Hexham), you are potentially depriving passengers of a service they might rely upon.