(11 Feb 2013, 4:58 pm)Kuyoyo wrote

(11 Feb 2013, 4:37 pm)Daniel wrote GNE really mustn't expect the service to be a big hit if it's only an hourly service Mon-Sat...

It's called 'setting the bar low' - remember that the X10 only used to be an hourly service on its own before its success lead to the X9 which also exceeded expectations (hence the coaches being replaced by 3962-5 after 6 months). This X7 is likely to be viewed in the same way as both - start with low expectations and hope the growth is there.

Just hope GNE advertises this service properly than the orginal 210/211 (Sunderland-Middlesbrough but not going via Billingham this time) sequence. Maybe the OK1 could of done the Middlesbrough to Sunderland section if there get the timing right for the driver (would of been nice to bring the OK name back to Peterlee.

Suggestion:

Just a suggestion tinkering with the X35,X7,206 bus service. Total
withdraw of the 206, run the X35 hourly and introduce a X36 service
running hourly, both providing 30 minute service, but the X36 will be
different between Peterlee bus station and Blackhall Rocks, run the
X36 from Peterlee to the A19 roundabout and have the bus stopping at
East Durham College (which will provide new links for students) and
also have the bus stopping on the A19 layby southbound at the X9 X10
bus stop and then the X36 takes the slip road off the A19 at Castle
Eden and then does the 206 route to Blackhall Rocks then continues
with the X35 to Hartlepool (new key services from Heslden to
Hartlepool and Sunderland etc...) and for the other half of the 206
route the new X7 can provide bus service for passengers at Hutton
Henry, by going down the B1280 to A19 then left turn at A19 then left
again to go into Hutton Henry then back down the B1280 then X7 route
to Middlesbrough, return journey for the X7 can go straight up the A19
and left turn into Hutton Henry then right turn to towards Wingate,
and since service X35 serves the 206 section between Peterlee bus
station and Blackhall Rocks then you be able to withdraw the 206 as
the service is daytime only.
ive just been thinking that diverting the X7 twice round Hutton Henry might cause a longer run, so i was just wondering if GNE extends the 201 from after going round the industrial estate, the bus heads up a19 southbound to Castle Eden and run the 206 route upto Hutton Henry then A19 northbound and instead of coming of at Castle Eden, the bus comes off at Peterlee round the industrial estate then 201 route back to Peterlee bus station.

Any thoughts anyone.