(15 Sep 2021, 4:31 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote Does anyone remember the United 236/336.The Arriva 57/57A now collectively cover much of the route between Trimdon Village & Hartlepool whilst the Bishop Auckland to Ferryhill (via Coundon) leg is covered by the 56 to Durham.
Were they busy? When did they stop running? Does any of the route exist today?
The route as described existed between Chilton/Ferryhill and Hartlepool in close to that form until April 2011 as service 33 when it was then diverted from Ferryhill via Bishop Middleham to replace the long standing 69 on that stretch, Chilton was still covered on service 8A from Darlington to Ferryhill (effectively current 8 route) then continue through to Hartlepool as the 33. In October 2012 when Durham County Council made more service revisions with tendered services the 33 (now 113) was cut to run Ferryhill to Sedgefield (via Fishburn) with Scarlet Band winning the contract whilst Arriva introduced the 57A from Durham to Hartlepool via the Trimdons taking the Trimdon Village to Hartlepool leg of the 33.
From what I've gathered the numbers in later years were pretty mediocre between Ferryhill and Hartlepool and I think part of the 33/57A was also supported at least in part. Doubt the demand is really there to make it work as Hartlepool isn't that much of a draw these days to attract the numbers.