(05 Nov 2021, 4:42 pm)L469 YVK wrote The 309/310 are miles ahead from the "Micky mouse" underdogs they were 10 year back. Investment in Volvo B9TLs back in 2013 followed by an extensive refurbishment and now a potential pending EV order.
Yes they're now every 20 mins but that is a sensible decision. Arriva ideally should do the same (including keeping the 306 out of Battle Hill) as they'd maintain the same capacity between Billy Mill and Newcastle. The loads would be better distributed as there'd be even 10 minute gaps as opposed to 5/15/5/15.
The 306/308 is still the flagship route along there though, it's been around for decades literally. If anything was renumbered then personally it should be:
305: Every 20 minutes current 310 additionally serving Hadrian Park extended to Tynemouth via 306 route.
306: Every 20 minutes current route serving Battle Hill and additionally serving Verne Road and Norham Road, terminate at Long Sands.
307: Every 20 minutes, same as below to St Thomas Moor then do the following route - https://www.google.com/maps/dir/55.01537...81!1m0!3e0
308: Every 20 minutes, current route also serves Silverlink by going up to Osprey Drive and turning around, limited stop after Holy Cross so timings are similar.
309: Every 20 minutes, current route.
311: Withdrawn
Apart from Queen Alexander Road and Meadowell no-one really loses out. The 308 is the flagship route along there and deserves the additional frequency imo with the 307. Verne Road would get a quicker service in the process aswell and Tynemouth would get an upto 10 minute service, could push the beach links and you're also giving Marden it's faster bus back to Newcastle plus new links through the estates and sorting the Morrison's link out in the process. The 306 going that route wouldn't be too much longer at peak times as it'd avoid Billy Mill.
If the buses are then too quiet then just bin off the 307 but might aswell give Marden a chance with a proper quick bus route.