(03 Oct 2021, 10:03 pm)BusLoverMum wrote Yes, I suppose it would work if something turned off through Witton Gilbert and/or sacriston. Not sure it would be able to use Potter House Lane, though so would probably have to head into fram and go round that way, so would end up on the same corridor as everything else. Meantime, those passengers can change at the hospital, anyhow, so don't gain a huge amount, other than not having to lug bags across the road. Alternatively, they can meet the x20 at some point.
One of the limiting factors for the arnison centre is that there's not that many ways in. Another is the choice between the bus stop next to Sainsburys and the bottleneck there or the ones by lidl that the 50 uses which are less convenient but less susceptible to delays.
I've often wondered if a stop on Rotary Way behind McDonald's/Subway would be an option. It certainly opens up access to the top end of the retail park for those using public transport.
As for the actual bus stops beside Sainsburys - genuinely don't know why they're one-way. Particularly when the roads either side of the stops aren't.
My first thought for an X5 and/or X15 diversion was via Witton Gilbert and Sacriston, down to the Red Lion and in that way. Operate it with a clock face interval with the X20 and I think they're on to something.
Might only be needed at certain times of the dsy/week (taking in to account the college), but if it goes straight in and out, I see no reason why it can't pick up its normal route from the P&R, by heading out of the Arnson Centre via the single carriageway portion of the A167.
Ditto the 16 to/from Stanley (taking in to account school and college requirements).
If those two options are there, it may mitigate the need to duplicate loads of other stuff in the area.