(28 Feb 2021, 9:30 am)Andreos1 wrote I don't know how many times I've said it now (and I'll continue to say it), but operators just haven't adapted to changes in customer habits.
They cut services due to changes to passenger habits (or trot out the line), but across the country we see the same old types of services seen 20/30/40 years ago.

Shields was mentioned a while back and SNE continuing to work the estate - town centre services, despite the town centre dying on its arse and people going elsewhere (either for work or pleasure).
There's mention of the threat ANE would have if the B&T line reopened (yet very little about how they could adapt to compliment the line).
GNE constantly witter on about traffic in and around Gateshead, but don't do anything to open up new corridors so that some car users have the option of using public transport.
The network in central Gateshead hasn't evolved since the interchange opened more than 40 years ago and the only changes in West Gateshead seemed to occur back in 86 when the Metrocentre opened.

Liveries and on-board features are only part of the solution imo.

For Ashington, I'd say

Out of Town Shopping:
- Create a more frequent & streamlined service between Ashington, Bedlington & Cramlington. Would also act as a hub & spoke for a revised X21 (see below).

Competition with BRT:
- X22 scrapped (replaced with above) and X21 increased to every 15 mins with strong marketing. Runs via Hartlands instead of Nedderton giving faster & more frequent journeys from Bedlington Station.

- X21 between Ashington & Newbiggin reduced to hourly with X19 introduced from Newbiggin to Newcastle via Woodhorn then same route as X20. Would provide a "fast" bus every 30 mins between Wansbeck Hospital and Newcastle providing strong competition against the train with appropriate marketing.