(22 Dec 2020, 11:08 am)Andreos1 wrote It doesn't need to be a whole new route set up bu an independent in some of the examples though. 
Just a variation of existing routes, which ensure they meet customers needs and wants. 

In the example of the new estate in Birtley and the lack of links TO the shops and school, it doesn't need to see a new route. 
Tweaking and adapting existing services could see a whole new market attracted to the local routes AND open up new opportunities to increase numbers on the 21 or other services through Birtley.

The 25, 28 and 82 could all have parts of their routes adapted or tweaked (even if it is just at certain times of the day) to better serve the needs and wants of the population of the new estate and the outlay would be minimal. 
Common stops could be introduced for the 82 and 28. Again, minimal outlay. 
Connection times could be looked at for those getting off a 21 or 28 but needing to board an 82 for the final leg of the journey. Yet again, minimal outlay.

Adaptations to three services, which could impact positively on at least four and has the potential to remove quite a few cars off the road. 

If the same exercise is carried in other towns, villages and communities across the region, the impact could be massive. 

As I say, look to exceed expectations for some passengers or look to meet the needs and wants of far more?

I totally agree.

I'm not very familiar with the areas you mention, or how much of a diversion it would be, but could it not be an issue of them not wanting to 'bloat' the route too much?

I know when they re-routed the X21 through Woodhouse to cut out the estate and run straight down Proudfoot, that saving in journey time allowed them to extend the route all the way to West Auckland without affecting the vehicle/driver requirements.

But then again, West Auckland is already very well served by the Arriva 6 and it left half of Woodhouse without a bus service meaning the council is now having to subsidise a Weardale service around the estate. And from what I've been told, that was done purely so GNE could ditch the outstation in Crook with the intention always being to pull the service from Woodhouse but doing it in stages to reduce the outrage!