(09 Aug 2023, 1:27 am)logidoodah wrote (1) Everyone states reasons for this but I ask everyone on this forum what does desirable mean?... I guarantee everyone will have their own views and opinions, however if I be devils advocate here and look at the dictionary it states that 'wished for as being an attractive, useful, or necessary course of action.' If I break this down has anyone been asked in any form what service they require or even want from any of the operators or even Nexus? (besides Transport NE annual survey which only hits a certain demographic).Secondly, is it useful? SNE I'd definitely say yes due to the Freeman Hsopital and Cross-City links. GNE i'd also say yes due to the unique links North to Cramlington and South to North Shields, even-though the links pre-existed the North Tyne Rockets.
(2) I think it's great both operators are stepping in with replacements, however the public had no say in where these routes are going. This was based of the premise of 5 "failing" (or failed) Arriva services 51-55. Both offerings are a nice change for the residents of Forest Hall, SNE as they have changed from the 38 - 18 - 6/7/8 - No replacement - 38 in Forest Hall (besides the 63) and GNE 81 - 17 - 42 - No replacement - 353/355. I may have gotten the services wrong but my point is since pre-covid Forest Hall/Benton has had a declining bus provision, of which both offerings combat positively.
(1) I do commend GNE for having a presence on Social Media and the press, albeit positively and negatively.
(2) That comment has no ground in my opinion as it doesn't matter what a bus says but where it goes (including the duration and frequency)
(1) That's the exact reason I give some people the time of day on here is because it is mostly quite interesting as we all share the same interest in public transport yet have a huge variety of demographics.
(2) I couldn't agree with you more...I don't think the North Tyne Rockets will be withdrawn anytime soon, I just think they won't last in this form. However I hope they do. I welcome a positive change for the bus industry however there needs to be some space for improvement including change of culture instead of doing nothing and cost cutting.
Interestingly I am moving to Forest Hall so I will try to give my findings based upon a resident. At the moment the 55 is a 30 minute Monday-Sunday service. Working at Central Station the 38 is now the ideal choice for me. If I were to have a weekly pass then it would be Stagecoach. However I feel that the 355 is the better service- faster, better quality and given my experience of the shocking Stagecoach service elsewhere an improvement. But offering Mon-Sat daytime only has limited the service already. Whilst there is always room for growth and Nexus funding can change. If it is a fight of the fittest then for me the 38 will be the strongest given it’s full day timetable.