(18 Jul 2023, 7:16 pm)L469 YVK wrote People are going to agree & disagree. That's the whole part of the forum.
In terms of the benefits for each service
304:
- Improved frequency on parts with newer developments and potential growth including practically same route as car between Holystone and Newcastle.
- Better commercial footing with proper integration along the Coast Road and revenue streams.
305:
- Covers the hard to serve areas and frees up other resources such as allowing the 307 to maintain a frequent Cobalt - Newcastle service alongside the 309.
306:
- Offers a faster service for users in West Chirton, Chirton and parts of North Shields including new links opened up.
- Potential growth with new housing developments around West Chirton and Norham Road area.
- Some new links opened up.
307 & 309:
- Improved Cobalt to Newcastle service including some new links opened up to Cobalt.
- Faster and more logical Marden - Newcastle service including the Marden - NT Hospital link being restored.
- Improved timekeeping and reduced congestion especially on service 309.
X38:
- Allows extra time to be added between Blyth & Billy Mill addressing issues with traffic blackspots.
- Potential growth with new housing development near North Tyneside Hospital.
- Reduces overbussing between Whitley Bay and Blyth, connection opportunities offered with the 309 for Cobalt and all stops with the 306.
Not going to comment on it all, but some should be swapped around imo.
308: 309 route from Newcastle to Battle Hill -> Silverlink -> 308 route to NT Hospital -> Morrisons -> Marden -> Whitley Bay (Every 30 Minutes)
X38: Same as below but 308 route in Blyth (Every 30 Minutes)
X39: 309 route from Blyth to Cobalt -> Silverlink -> Willington Quay -> Non Stop -> Newcastle (Every 30 Minutes)
X38/X39: Every 15 Minutes Combined offering express route between Cobalt and Newcastle.
The business park needs the express service if any and would give a direct service to Silverlink without having to use the horrid roundabout stops. Not to mention you'd keep the Battle Hill links to Silverlink since you've pulled the 306 out.