(22 Dec 2023, 11:54 pm)Shrek wrote If you've got an early or late flight then yes, you'll be using a taxi. But I always use public transport to get to the airport when it's an option, and I know loads of others who do. Especially if fares remain cheap on the bus, it can be a far better option than a taxi.
I know a couple of people who have to get to Kirkley daily and really struggle with the journey. This will be a lifeline for them and give them far better flexibility in their travel. As others have pointed out, Ponteland to Kingston Park or Morpeth also have real potential.
It's not guaranteed to work after funding runs out, but I honestly think it will work a lot better than you think.
Personally I think it'll be dead most the time. Unless the workers, use the service then it won't have anyone on. If travelling from Morpeth it'll be much easier and just as quick to catch the X14/X15/X18 to the Regent Centre and change to the Metro which are both at least every 15 minutes.
Not to mention there's probably about 4 people max every day travelling from Morpeth to the airport daily anyway, anyone else will definitely do the above rather than changing for an hourly service.
Now if it was bolted onto the end of a 35 so you had an Newbiggin to Airport service then things might change a bit, as you'd link the two Northumberland College campuses together and additionally serve Abbey Meadows and Woodhill Drive (why it doesn't anyway I don't know - it's literally the same time). Then there's more links being opened up.