(31 May 2022, 9:06 am)Andreos1 wrote If it is low and people aren't transferring between the 21 and something else, then surely that defeats the whole point of their hub & spoke model and proves it's not working?The 28/28A and 82 might be replaced of course, with local authority financial support, (as might other routes) so passengers may still have the option of a through journey without changing, although at a lower frequency and with a different operator. I suppose we'll just have to wait about 4 weeks now until GNE/ Nexus / Durham CC announce the full details of the changes.
If it isn't low and people are transferring between the 21 and something else (assuming passengers all don't live on Durham Road or within walking distance, then maybe it will have an impact.
More of an impact than we are seeing already!
If we use Birtley as an example - the people in Portmeads and Vigo are losing the well established 25. If they're wanting to use public transport to get to Gateshead or Newcastle, then their only other option is the 82 and then a 21. Except the 82 is going too.
The walk down to Durham Road might be OK. But the walk back is a pain and isn't an attractive alternative at all.
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 public transport alternative.
RE: Go North East: Major Service Changes July 2022