(31 May 2023, 7:42 pm)Storx wrote Doubt it on the Coast Road corridor, the last 2 times they've tried it along there (N58) it failed both times.I think if the STACK got awarded a 1am licence, things would be a lot different this time around:
- Whereas the 'good old days' of a Whitley Bay night out would likely just attract locals around NE25, NE26, NE27 and NE29 plus a few from other areas, the new STACK effectively replaces what already existed North of The Tyne. There's been no STACK North of The Tyne since Pilgrim Street closed. And I do actually know of a few people who travel over to Seaburn for their STACK.
- When the N58 existed, it was red-meat all around between GNE & Arriva. Things are different now with the Qualifying Agreement and effectively, a new night bus would be a 'joint venture' between TNE, GNE and Arriva although GNE would likely be the operator.
- In relation to above, people back then wouldn't exactly associate the N58 with the 308. But an N38 with joint ticketing would effectively be seen as a night time variant of the 308 (although serving Battle Hill & High Farm).
- Bus stop very closeby the new proposed location of the STACK (the old Avenue Pub).
- More fuel efficient vehicles available to use (Citaro back on the N58 vs StreetLites). Note that GNE could technically use the 1 arriving at the MetroCentre (0003) to form a departure after midnight from Newcastle back towards the Coast.
- Cost of Taxis vs Cost of Bus (although Taxis in 'some' instances are cheaper).
- Student population travelling to Whitley Bay STACK and looking for cheap way back home.