(27 Jul 2023, 11:52 am)Storx wrote Must say I'll be very surprised if the 352 and 355 see out beyond March 2024, the 352 in particular. There's very limited reason to use them unless you only travel Monday to Friday day times when Stagecoach are covering them with a more frequent service and an evening / Sunday service with cheaper fares to boot.
Even the 353, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a Killingworth to North Shields only service aswell for similar reasons on the Northern end of the route, with the 19 the same frequency and quicker for Cramlington to North Shields / Cobalt passengers.
Definitely agree with your point on the evening/Sunday offerning, but Stagecoach fares aren't cheaper.
Go North East's day ticket for the area is £4.30, compared to £5.00 on Stagecoach. Go North East's weekly ticket is £16.00 vs £17.00 on Stagecoach. Flexi5 is also £20.00 with Stagecoach, compared to £17.00 with Go North East.
Go North East's day ticket also covers Cramlington - I'm assuming on Stagecoach you will need to buy a Tyne and Wear Plus Day/week ticket with is more expensive to cover Northumberland. (as is the arrangment with Ponteland and Hexham)