(12 Jun 2023, 6:48 pm)L469 YVK wrote To be honest, the X30/X31 would be better back to every 15 minutes but using single deckers instead as before Nov 2019 (maybe ex Green Arrow E200MMC's).
Then all E400MMC to Riverside for for X10 & X21 with scope for the X9 to be re-instated (total PVR of 15/16 if X9 returned depending on X21 layover). X45/X71/X72/47 operated using StreetDeck & B5TLs.
It really doesn't need the frequency upped imo. If it's only busy when one bus is cancelled it suggests it's good enough capacity or half empty otherwise.
Not to mention it's one of those routes that won't have many intermediate journeys so 30 people on the bus from Newcastle, it'll like be nearly still 30 by the time it reaches Stanley unlike something like 56 which might pick 15 people from Newcastle, 5 from Gateshead, 5 from the hospital, 5 from Wrekenton, 10 from Concord, 5 from Nissan, 10 from Silksworth before getting to Sunderland and 15 people inbetween those stops travelling to each of them which is a much busier route but the 'bus is dead' as it only has 20 people on max.
Not to mention the 56 in the opposite direction is doing the same whereas the X30 is carting fresh air as no-one wants to go to Stanley or Whickham at 7am in the morning.