(16 Dec 2024, 8:38 pm)PH - BQA wrote I'm assuming the 35 passengers is in reference to my earlier post of sightings this morning. I'd point out (yet again...) that the X21 tends to dump significant amounts at both Cramlington Industrial Estate and Regent Centre, and loadings of 30+ into town from Gosforth are still pretty healthy when you take that into account. 

As it happens I was on 7533 into town prior to it working the 1700 X22, and it took in about 25 (though some of those were off through Gosforth), and had a hefty queue waiting for it. I was on 7530 on the way back on the 1745, and again there was a good load. 

As we have seen today, a train can be cancelled just as easily as a bus can be...

It's hard to really discuss the Regent Centre currently though, have to remember there's the interchange at Northumberland Park which might see some people move across, especially when they can use the same ticket on both. It's arguably the biggest win for the railway line, if anything.

Let's be honest it's hard to discuss it yet though when half the stations are shut still, including Bedlington Station and Northumberland Park and not everyone is going to jump across on the first day and will sit out any teething issues.

Probably better to judge after a month or so where things are really.