(27 Feb 2023, 12:49 pm)Adrian wrote Remove the 78 from Bournmoor and Lumley, sending it straight along the A183 from Shiney Row to Chester-le-Street.
Bournmoor doesn't need 6 buses an hour (78 combined with the 4), plus removing it would still leave it with a 15 minute frequency between Houghton (to Interchange) and Shiney Row. Having the 71 service half-hourly between Houghton and Chester-le-Street would cover the rest of the route, providing a more natural link to Houghton-le-Spring or Chester-le-Street.
Of course, the bonus is also a quicker journey time for those using the 78 to/from Sunderland.
Houghton to Seaham isn't exactly a natural travel link either. Having something direct to Newcastle may attract a few more than tagging the section on to something else, but likely to cause complaints from Seaham residents that want a bus that'll drop them off at their door step.
I would re route the 78, from Sunderland towards Shiney Row I would reroute it to turn left from Chester road onto Golf Course road, Blind Lane, Brinkburn Cresecent reaching Houghton then 71 route to Chester-le-street then onwards to consett, section between Chester road and a1052/Lumley new road is well covered with service 4 and passengers can easily board service 4 in either direction for onward travel with connection service 78 at fence houses or shiney row with many bus stops to choose from , service 71 would be withdrawn between Houghton and Chester , while service 79 extended to Seaham replacing 71 on that section.
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