(09 Jul 2020, 11:32 am)Andreos1 wrote Market St could be an option, would the rest of the road network be suitable for it to get around? Genuinely don't know.
I think there will be a lot more comes in to the train vs bus than just speed and convenience. Timetables and price will both be a factor.
As a side note, I've mentioned before that when myself and MrsC are in R&C and coming up to the town, the train is the option we tend to go for. A change at Boro with a railcard is massively cheaper than using the bus. However, depending on what time the return trip back down is, the bus can be the only option.
If its just me making the trip (one way or return), then the bus is a viable alternative.
I guess what I'm trying to say, is that what may suit one - may not suit the other and with the ticketing arrangements GNE have, they need to ensure passengers are aware, can take advantage and ensure that any changes or connections are an easy, attractive option. If that means going near or as close to Eldon Square as possible, so that Barbara can pop to in to Fenwicks between her visit to the metrocentre and whilst waiting for her X9 - without having to traipse across the town, so be it.
If they don't, then Barbara may just use the train instead.
Don't see any issues with the route if it came straight off the Central Motorway onto Market Street then either all the way down and left onto the Bigg Market and out over the High Level Bridge, the only place it could have issues is turning left onto the Bigg Market but could easily avoid that by going down Grainger Street (possibly serving there) then left onto Collingwood Street and rejoin at the cathedral.
Yeah I totally understand where your coming from there. Just checked the train price from Hexham to Middlesbrough and it's £19.60 which is a bit steep so could easily persuade some across. Personally though I'd say either Pilgrim Street or Market Street would be a better place for the X9/X10 as it's nearer other services, the Metro, Stagecoach services. Obviously both places would be ideal but could see it being quite difficult to serve Newgate Street as mentioned could have similar problems in terms of blocking anything else getting there not to mention doing a loop of Newcastle and not stopping at Eldon Square is a bit pointless.
Both have their pros and cons though I guess, depends where people are coming from I suppose on where's better.