(29 Nov 2017, 7:23 pm)missedbus wrote No-one (except enthusiasts, perhaps!), would be likely to travel from North Shields to, say, Whiteleas Estate on the 5 (likely to be around an hour). It would be far quicker to take the ferry and a bus from South Shields (35-40 minutes). I feel this has only been done for operational convenience to ensure the cross-river link was still provided after the service changes with the diversion of the 9, and not primarily to introduce a new link.
I've travelled to Boldon and Sunderland a few times on the 9 from North Shields. Quite often I was one of very few people on board the bus in the Tyne tunnel, most of whom alighted at Jarrow.
(06 Jan 2018, 9:41 am)L469 YVK wrote Speaking of the Devil, although somebody did mention North Tyneside the other day and although I thought that nothing could be merged, if GNE wanted to stop going tit for tat with Arriva and form their own niche market, they could do this. Now I'll spend some weeks creating some timing and allocation samples for the below and other routes but here's a sneek preview.
CoastCityLinks Service 58
Every 12 minutes
* Heworth - Leam Lane Estate - Felling Square - Deckham - Gateshead - Newcastle City Centre - Cradlewell - Coast Road - Battle Hill - Cobalt - Whitley Bay - Seaton Sluice - Blyth
Service 58X
* Same route and frequency as X39 interworking with 59/59A.
'59' Service 59
Every 20 minutes
* North Shields - Meadowell - West Chirton - Middle Engine Lane - Battle Hill - High Farm - Coast Road - Cradlewell - Newcastle Haymarket
'59' Service 59A
Every 20 minutes
* Hadrian Park - Battle Hill - High Farm - Coast Road - Cradlewell - Newcastle Haymarket
yes haha that was me that mentioned North Tyneside