(16 Jun 2019, 1:52 pm)Malarkey wrote
Do you have better suggestions than what I have come up with, just to note I only the "suggested route 37" would be operated by a minibus with other services remaining double decker operated and from my suggestions have I abandoned the people of Heaton/High Heaton, no I haven't, might want to re-read my post first!
Furthermore I appreciate that the extension to the cobalt was to offer a direct link from Heaton/High Heaton however it doesn't matter what time of day I see the 1 on the Cobalt it runs around empty, last night when I got on it I was the only one it between the Cobalt and Heaton as it didn't pick up a single passenger.
Also given the 1 also goes via Holystone/Benton Asda along the main roads of newly built estates is it going to pick anyone up when all those areas much like Heaton have a high amount of cars users with people living in those areas who are clearly have quite a lot of money. Are those people really going stop taking the car to work in order to get on the bus, I don't think they are if I am totally honest.
As a result of the above is the extension to the Cobalt really financially sustainable for Stagecoach to run throughout the day going forward as I do think it maybe better to have a few journey's extended during peak times only.
The number 1 avoids Holystone and West Allotment using the slip roads. This therefore losing passengers s it avoids it to save time. The 1 in this section needs re-routing and r-timing as it is a clear it wants to compete for the clearly profitable and favourable 51/A. As a local resident in this area, I prefer getting the 51/A as it is right on my doorstep yet the1 just avoids us and the metro loses out due to the 51 close proximity. The 1 will not be profitable in this area unless it serves these 2 villages, as they are losing out to the 51 as it stands.
Other ideas inc-
22- extended to Northumberland park to directly compete with 19.
62- extended to Cobalt
63- extended to Great Park
22 will require extra E400 drafted in from X63.
More E400MMCs ordered for extended 62/63 and to cover X63 too