(31 May 2022, 9:06 am)Andreos1 wrote I agree the 21 is an issue and has been since they got rid of the variations that existed prior to 2006.
To be honest, I don't think the majority of the population do need or want to be in Newcastle, but GNE seem to be insistent on sending a huge chunk of their buses there and perceivering with the hub & spoke model.
Which means passengers don't have any viable alternative and a core route such as the 21 is one of their only options (excluding car or taxi).
I've not long replied to busmanT with some scenarios from Vigo and Portmeads.
The same logic applies to places like Pelton Fell, Kibblesworth or Lamesley.
5 totally different settlements, but each with a demand of sorts to use a reliable, effective bus network that penetrates their locality and takes them to places they need to be.
Those in Ouston or Perkinsville wanting to head north or even as far as Birtley, will now need to get a 34 and head south to Chester. Adding a significant amount of time on to their journey time. But at least they have some sort of alternative.
Can't disagree to be honest about Newcastle to be fair but I'd imagine people would rather be there than let's say CLS with the 34 though in the wrong direction.
Like to pick one area you mentioned there you could easily split one of the 21's off at Birtley and do the 82 bus route to Washington from there (not serving the estates in Birtley). Instantly you've saved at least a bus (maybe 2) duplicating the 21 on the 25 and also gave new connections from parts of Washington to Newcastle and Low Fell to Washington direct which is slightly slower but there's no change (I'd personally take that option) and removed a bus from Birtley to CLS which is never that busy.
Heck you could then send the 50 back via Vigo Lane to give connections to South Shields and Nissan from the bottom end of Birtley.
All simple changes with negligible PVR changes (it has to be a decrease) and opens loads of new links.