(31 May 2023, 8:05 pm)Thomas12 wrote I suppose the 54 doesn't really need replacing between New York and Whitley Bay, as the 309 already provides these links.
So I'm assuming the 354 will be the 53 route until New York, then continuing on to Newcastle via the 54 route. The 54 loadings aren't that bad between Newcastle and Killingworth, although it largely duplicates other services.
See I was thinking that but then what will happen with the 53 which is the strongest out of the routes around there. Agreed the Eastern side isn't needed though mind. Let's be honest though it could be anything.
(31 May 2023, 8:14 pm)Busu284 wrote Question is though. What will replace the 53 between New York & Cramlington as that section is unique and isn't really cover by a straight forward service
52 follows it to Fern Drive & Camperdown to Killingworth then nothing round the forest Hall section then the Palmersvill to New York part. The 53 is a unique route in my opinion not really being duplicated by much
Ignoring the Killingworth links, Fern Drive could be easily covered by the 57A or X8 or even both of them. They both double back on thereselves via Northumberland Business Park avoiding Moor Farm now anyway so wouldn't add any time to either route, there's not exactly anything in Annitsford and most areas are in walking distance from it.
I have a feeling Stagecoach will be eyeing up the 52 though, it's operationally completely out of area for GNE so they can dominate Newcastle to the Freeman and Killingworth pretty much, 38 extension possibly?