(07 Dec 2020, 7:22 pm)L469 YVK wrote The craic with the 309/310/311 is that even if there is more streamlining, the PVR wouldn't reduce drastically (circa 20%) unless Hadrian Park was taken out of the equation and passengers told to suck it up and change in Battle Hill.

Both options would be a PVR of 14x based on running times to afford reliability when we return to "normal" reducing the PVR by 12.5%.

Option 1:
- 311 every 15 minutes
- 309 every 30 minutes
- 310 every 30 minutes (also via Cobalt but not High Farm)

Option 2:
- 309 every 20 minutes
- 310 every 20 minutes (via Hadrian Park)

The next option would be a PVR of 12x but would leave GNE as the second choice 'mickey mouse' operator on the Coast Road in comparison to Arriva who would offer a better option all around.

Option 3:
- 309 every 30 minutes
- 310 every 30 minutes (via Cobalt and still serving High Farm)
- 311 every 30 minutes

As far as things stand at the moment, all operators and routes are in turbulent times. GNE however will come out of it at the stronger end where the Coast Road is concerned if they maintain a similar level of service. Don't forget, the bus that "gans down the motorway" as well as it's sister service will need future investment too and can't continue operating whatever is thrown on. For Arriva to comply with the clean air zone and maintain a reliable service with decent vehicles considering their position, they will inevitably need to downsize. That's not me being biased towards GNE by any means but if Arriva can offer the almost same capacity between Billy Mill and Newcastle on a 10 minute combined frequency (likely meaning the 306 being withdrawn out of Battle Hill to improve reliability), it would be a no brainer.

I wouldn't like to see Option 1 it'll just make the situation even worse by having more buses where they're not needed. Personally I'd try something different but not sure whether the 3rd variation would do well and have.

309 - Every 15 Minutes (If you want to save buses terminate 2 at Whitley)
310 - Every 30 Minutes (Serves High Farm)
311 - Every 30 Minutes (Current 311 (Omits High Farm) to Hadrian Park, Continues 309/310 Route to the Cobalt R'bout then diverts via Silverlink, Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, A193 then rejoining the 310 route to Shields keeping the 15 minute service there)

Only losers really are Verne Road / Norham Road, not sure on the numbers there but it used to be only 30 mins years ago anyway but offers new links such as the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate to Newcastle where there's loads of employment and offers more links to Silverlink for example. PVR shouldn't be too different I don't believe and it's 1 bus less on the Coast Road where they're not needed.