(14 Sep 2020, 9:01 am)Andreos1 wrote I'd argue that any increase in traffic is partially to do with bus operators.
Not adapting to changes to travel/work habits, fares or frequency changes could be 3 reasons why car use is higher than it was almost 40 years ago. I'm sure there are many more relating to public transport - regardless of any other factors which could exist.
The X1 is 7 mins slower on the southern section of its route than its predecessor was almost 40 years ago. That's despite the vehicles being more powerful, having Newbottle St dedicated to buses only and the removal of significant traffic associated with the pits at Philidelphia, Houghton, Eppleton and Easington Lane.
Sorry haven't got much to add to your X1/X5 discussion but that I'm not too sure on that. Be interesting to see if an 80's bus would beat a new Streetdeck on a basic bus route length to length as the 80's buses certainly had a more powerful engine but techs improved with turbos etc so the less power could be better used now. Be an interesting one and wouldn't surprise me if it's very close or the 80's bus actually won.