(10 Jul 2023, 9:03 pm)Storx wrote The 22 is subsidised by Cobalt between Wallsend and Cobalt though so it's a massive PVR increase, as Cobalt won't be subsidising that so they'll have to take on that commercially.

But does it warrant a 10 minute service to Cobalt especially off peak? The 22 already has a good stronghold from High Howdon to Wallsend and Newcastle, causing headaches for GNE's 1. Plus serving Hadrian Park would likely pick up some local fares to Howdon and Wallsend as well as other revenue including fares to Newcastle.

It's also impossible since it's illegal for bus operators to discuss this, so unless it was regulated it can't happen. The fact GNE don't want to serve Wiltshire Drive probably suggest there's no money there, they've had ample chance to run it.

Would it be illegal if it was in the interest of securing services that would otherwise be cut....and actually in the best interests of the taxpayer that some parts could be picked up commercially rather than having to be subsidised / tendered?

Furthermore, previous incarnations of the old 307 before the 51 were never going to be strong enough to just solely depend on Wiltshire Drive whilst sticking out like a sore thumb carrying fresh air amongst the 306 & 308 and former incarnations of the current 307 & 309. GNE eventually had this same issue with the 57 & 58 when they went to Hadrian Park......as they solely relied on Hadrian Park or the small number of people on common sections of the other Coast Road services wanting more 'into' Newcastle or over to Gateshead, whilst the rest would stick with the 306/308/309/310.

The current 307 re-routed via Wiltshire Drive would be strong enough as it would be supported by the North Shields - High Farm section plus the Newcastle to Coast Road / Station Road section including the fact that the 307 is properly coordinated with the 306, 308 and 309 along that common section of route, guaranteeing revenue streams.

Who knows, GNE might take it on anyway it's really not that risky as it's only 1 bus. They just can't do anything without discussing it with Nexus first because of the subsidised elements. Regardless though, it needs to change as it's pathetic half of Whitley Bay have no evening bus service at all.

1 bus potentially carrying fresh air for the most part and running as an oddball is still risky business. 

Personally though, if I was Nexus and needed to save money, I'd be looking at dropping both the 19 and 317 to hour in the evening and Sundays especially on the 19. There's absolutely no need for 2 buses an hour serving a business park which is mostly closed.