(25 Sep 2024, 1:53 pm)Ambassador wrote It depends where people want to be.
Central (ironically named) isn't that convenient for a lot of people - especially hospitals, universities and St James's Park and I can't forsee that many hopping off a train to experience Metro's latest signal failure
So those people may choose to stay with the bus
I'd say that the main advantages of the train regardless of location will be:
- No road delays which do happen
- NECA integration with bus, metro, ferry and rail
Now, Nedderton is interesting. An inconvenience, but one that will be needed to keep the X21 viable when the line opens.
But, there's plenty local journeys made on the X21 and also still Bedlington Town Centre which is a good walk from Bedlington Sttaion and....also the Arcot Manor estate too.
I don't think Ashington will get badly hit. X16 & X20 worst case, could even recieve some Volvo B8RLE's with newer deckers to Whitby for the X93/X94. The X20 will still get decent loads North of Ashington for through journeys to Newcastle as well as around other parts of Ashington & North Seaton not within 10-15 mins walking distance to the train.
(25 Sep 2024, 12:15 pm)Storx wrote The X10 is because of the pricing advantages, there's none of that with the X21.
But what about:
- Delays on the A19
- Breakdowns with unsuitable buses allocated (Volvo B5TL's before covid)
- 20 minute frequency on train
Appreciate Horden isn't right in Peterlee, but does on paper have huge advantages over the X10 given the nature of the A19.