(05 Apr 2022, 12:39 pm)DeltaMan wrote Its a fair point about connections with the 21 specifically where an improvement to evenings would be possible with a very minor change. 

I hate to use this example, but the 71 from Chester has a very optimistic connection with the 21 from Durham. Assuming the 71 is one bus in the evenings (which according to the timetable, it should be) surely that could leave a couple of minutes later from Chester and save folk a 40 or 58 minute wait. 

I can't see any reason why that couldnt happen. It would still meet the 20 to/from Sunderland

So operators need to look at quick wins like that in the evenings before expanding late services

Nowt wrong with bringing the 71 up. Between you and me I think it's a service that could and should have more discussion on here. 

But yeah, that's a perfect case in example. 
If 10 people are on the 21 and 5 get off in Chester to connect with a 28, 34, 50, 71 or 78 - then they're probably wanting that connection to be as timely as it is at other times of the day. 
If those connections don't work or the timings aren't attractive - then that could be 5 people who look at alternatives and it's potentially 5 less people on the 21.
All of a sudden that 21 run becomes less viable than it already is. 

As you say, it's a quick win. It's something that could not only keep those original 10 on board - it could allow for and encourage further growth.

---

(05 Apr 2022, 2:50 pm)citaro5284 wrote of course the flip side to that was folk who needed to catch the bus you got off and were on the 94 had a connection

And that's where all this fancy technology can come in to determine travel patterns.
Assuming passengers haven't been put off by the wait outside sainsburys and have persevered with public transport - then the back office systems would identify that its a key interchange point and ensure connections are improved.
Another quick win.