(17 Mar 2021, 2:39 pm)Benny wrote Hmm...
I'd suggest 15/15a/15b operating 15 minutes each to combine a 5 minute frequency. This would replace the 7
15 - North Tees, Roseworth, Stockton, Thornaby, Basselton Court
15a - North Tees, Roseworth, Stockon, Thornaby, Ingelby Barwick
15b - North Tees, Roseworth, Stockton, Preston Park, Yarm
17/17a to remain the same as they provide great links for Yarm/Ingelby/Middlesbrough
I don't think the 21 would work, not until Teesside Airport 'Takes off' that is. However when it does I'd suggest
X68 - Darlington Tubwell Row, Darlington Rail Station, Teesside Airport, Stockton, Teesside Park, Middlesbrough. Operating every 30 minutes.
This would replace the need for the 12 to serve Teesside Airport and create a 15 minute frequency for Teesside Park links. Also would allow advertising for the X66 for a quick link from the towns, X67 as the workers connect/express, and X68 for great days out.
The X12 could benefit from Panther LEs but I'm just dreaming. The route itself is okay and to me doesn't need improving.
Cutting the X4 at Loftus is a bit silly to me as well, it's a great back up route back to Middlesbrough from Whitby if the X93 is late or very busy.
The improvements I'd suggest for Cleveland are:
92 - Stokesley to Saltburn via Guisborough and Skelton
X92 - Summer Express service from Middlesbrough to Whitby via Guisborough, Saltburn and Loftus this would run alongside X93 and X94
Maybe an open top bus running shuttles between Redcar & Saltburn at normal fare to entice people to use the bus rather than the train too (weather depending).
I agree about the X4 and Loftus. Not just for those making the full trip or using it as an alternative to the X93, but for those in parts of East Cleveland who find the 5 doesn't meet their needs or in areas such as Staithes who still have the need to travel beyond Redcar. That journey doesn't need to be made any slower or more difficult than it already is.
Im not sure about the X92 suggestion though. How much quicker would it be between Saltburn and Whitby vs the X4?
I do think the 18 will come in to its own once we end the lockdown. A shame it doesn't run on weekends. I feel Coatham are missing a trick there.