(01 Jun 2023, 3:16 pm)L469 YVK wrote I reckon the 51 will most likely end up tendered.
Bit of a hard & rock what Nexus and operators decide to do with it. IMO, Wiltshire Drive would be better with a stable commercial service as part of the exisitng Coast Road network (service 307) rather than an 'oddball' tendered service.
However:
- Hadrian Park would have to be dropped / picked up by another service. Some passengers might not like the alternative service.
- How lucrative is Hadrian Park for GNE? Could mean lost revenue.
- 309 reliability would suffer as it would either be a 14/6 or 13/7 split between Middle Engine Lane and Mullen Road, meaning the 309 would carry the brunt towards Newcastle. Furthermore, Station Road North would be reduced to a 20 minute service from a 10 minute service.
so with all the above, pointless really faffing on with any of that just to serve Wiltshire Drive....