(25 Nov 2013, 5:04 pm)Dan wrote In most cases, frequency tends to win with customers (providing the journey time isn't a great deal quicker on another service) - that's pretty common knowledge, I'd say.
All of my friends prefer the 60 as opposed to the 61 because it's more frequent. Michael has just said above that he likes the 2A/2C at present because it helps him to get to college easier. Likewise, I used to have a routine for the times at which I go to school - I don't really have that anymore, and I get the first bus which turns up, which is quite often the bus which is every 10 minutes rather than every 15, 20 or 30!
Well yes I will agree that a frequent service is good, which is why personally I'm not keen on all this A/B/C lettered routes as it detracts from that in many ways. However if I'm going Sunderland-Seaham (The Harbour) I'll wait a few minutes extra for the X7 as opposed to getting the 60 as ill get there quicker. I wouldn't say if I'm going to the Mill Inn I prefer the 60 to the 61 at all intact I'd often prefer the 61 during peak times as the scholars from The Avenue/Harbour/Dawdon were significantly more than those going to Murton. The only thing that I do now is that I'd often get a 60 to ride a Streetlite since they're new and I am a member of a bus group! However as far as normal passengers go I can't say anyone would 'prefer a 60 to a 61' especially when both had Versas.
(25 Nov 2013, 5:04 pm)Dan wrote You'll recall me arguing that the "SimpliCity" brand is not appropriate for the 61?
"SimpliCity" 39 operates every ten minutes between Doxford Park and Sunderland, so there's your 'simply turn up and go' frequency for that service.
Well yes we both agreed (See we do Sometimes agree Dan!) we weren't keen on having the 61 in the SimpliCity brand. For me albeit I was thought of it been 'out of the city' aswell as the 'Simply turn up and go' slogan. However GNE still have the 61 in SimpliCity brand so theres the problem.
Also should the consultation go through unchanged the extra 39's would be replaced by 26's.