(23 Apr 2021, 10:47 pm)L469 YVK wrote X18 & X20 would still coordinate. X19 would just be an additional service covering the Woodhorn to Newcastle part alongside the X20.
I get what you mean about the common frequencies with the locals but, the timetable is mostly geared at providing an 'efficient' service whilst creating new and improved links as well as giving the BTRL some healthy competition (X19 & X20). The X19 perfectly coordinates with the X20.
As for the Newbiggin > Ashington part, the 35 is more than enough to have that part covered with other journeys on the X19 & X21 and them also serving Wansbeck Hospital.
It goes back to dillution though. GNE had that problem in Derwentside but have pretty much cracked it and got a stable group of 'X' services covering Consett / Stanley and Sunniside to Newcastle.
The prospect of a 30 minute 'fast' Ashington to Newcastle service would be very tempting for passengers. Plus the clear journey time advantage from Newbiggin over the X21, it would be a win-win.
The thing is though when the BTRL comes in the local services are going to be the key services imo even if it ends up them using the 1 to Bedlington Station to get the train to town.
Btw for your X19 I'd be tempted to reverse the Newbiggin bit and go straight to Newbiggin skipping Ashington possibly extending to Cresswall with the time savings. Once the trains come in, it's one place that won't change.
Oh and a little suggestion I know you always wanted to get arid of the X8 in it's current form, one idea could be to turn the X19/X20 into what was the X25/X26 south of Blyth ASDA it shouldn't add too much time 5 mins max really and kills 2 birds with one stone. The X20 is dead most the time tbh.