(01 Sep 2016, 9:57 pm)S813 FVK wrote I don't think the service is designed for people to travel from Newcastle to the Metrocentre (unless you boarded before Newcastle and don't wish to change buses). It is mainly for local connections such as Newcastle/Gateshead to Lobley Hill and Lobley Hill to Metrocentre vice versa.
That lobley hill stretch could easily be run on an alternative route, 97A could do it or whatever. It's such a long journey that could easily just be split up without anyone noticing like.