How many customers use the 342? It's an good route operating between Wallsend and Westerhope via the likes of Benton, Killingworth, Hazlerigg and Kingston Park which have quite a lot to offer, in terms of shopping, buses and leisure. An hourly service is adequate for the full route end to end, but along the way a half-hourly service like the 42/42A was is better, I liked getting off the 42 in Killingworth and getting on the 42A to Kingston Park. A bus to FLE and Forest Hall was also good, and it would now be ideal to connect with the 335.
Yesterday I used the 342 for the first time, and passenger numbers were good for a section of the route but Hazlerigg, Kingston Park and Westerhope there was nobody else on. My Day Rover was questioned, apparently GCT don't accept them. Due to having 1 bus per hour I had to choose between Kingston Park and Westerhope to get a bit of shopping, ultimately staying on for the full route and getting a few bits from Aldi in Westerhope. Pleasant ride, very impressed with the 342, but limited GCT options to connect with.
RE: Gateshead Central Taxis