(31 Jul 2017, 9:02 pm)L469 YVK wrote Extending the Coaster to Blyth would be one option but would require a long layover whether using the full or short Coaster boards. Also, drivers would most likely need to be under strict orders to ask all passengers boarding in Blyth for destinations to ensure that any vunlerable passengers intending to head to Bedlington Station / Ashington don't end up in the middle of Wallsend / Byker.
If extra Omnicities could be sourced, could GNE not exploit the market for a faster version of the 308, serving all stops between Blyth and Billy Mill then only calling at Norham Road and Willington Square? Could interwork with the Coaster in Blyth and offer a more reliable service (with no tight turnarounds) without needing a driver changeover at Norham Road making it a true express service. And to attract passengers on Lynn Road / Billy Mill / Norham Road and Willington Square who would need to rely on the 308 during evenings and Sundays, maybe a special reduced weekly ticket could be offered covering all stops between Billy Mill Lane and Newcastle to attract commuters during the morning / afternoon peaks.
Since when do drivers have to tell passengers what stop they are at? They're there to drive safely and provide valid tickets, not be a tourist announcement script.
The difference would also be limited. Go north east gave away Ashington and those routes in exchange for Hexham, would be silly to try and go back to turf-waring in the very same areas. The councils wouldn't want it at all.
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