(10 Feb 2025, 9:55 pm)DaveFromUpNorth wrote The get out clause for an extra PVR is so Arriva can save paying approx 75p per journey for entering the bus interchange at North Shields just like the 317 (when ran by Stagecoach changed to avoid using Wallsend Metro )
We need to change the attitude and go back to the 80s and 90s and create an integrated transport where All Nexus secured Services must service Bus Stations and Metro stations where possible. all commercial buses are "encouraged" or "forced" to visit transport hubs and Metro Stations within reason
We need positivity on making it easier for passengers not local to get to locations.
Q How do you get from Battlehill to Cramlington Hospital by bus?
If we can change the mindset so you get to North tyneside Hub there is a bus that goes directly there...
NOT get a bus to the hub then walk to Shakespeare Street which is only a 5 min walk... (20min self propelling in a wheelchair up hill across 4 roads 3 traffic lights 1 zebra crossing avoid the temp roadworks. Or advise someone who has a white stick how to walk 5 mins up roads they have never done before because they live in Carlisle and are visiting family...
We need buses to be forced to use transport hubs for this reason
Tongue in cheek, 309 to Whitley Bay then the 57 to the hospital doors.
Seriously though, North Shields is the wrong place for a hub though imo. It involves doubling back for most journeys which results in extended journey times for the vast majority of people. I live on the 19 route and if I was going to Battle Hill I'd never interchange at North Shields as it's just too long or infact really anywhere as there's nowhere sensible to change for. I do agree that a hub would be good but it's not the right place for it.
imo the best place would be Northumberland Park if additional services were actually serving the place. Like really you've got on the doorstep:
Metro: Whitley Bay / North Shields / Tynemouth / Byker / Wallsend / Newcastle
Northumberland Line: Ashington / Bedlington Station / West Blyth / Seaton Delaval
19: Cramlington Hospital / Cramlington / North Shields Ferry / North Shields
22*: Howdon / Cobalt / Silverlink / Wallsend / Byker
41/41A*: Battle Hill / Wallsend
351: Whitley Bay / Benton ASDA
353/354/356: Killingworth
356: North Tyneside Hospital
* Potential extensions
That's pretty much everywhere in the area linked who needs a link, other than maybe Blyth Town Centre. Northumberland Park is a right missed opportunity imo and it would literally cost nothing since the infrastructure is already build.
(10 Feb 2025, 10:17 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Could add Park Lane to that list too, at least for the Stagecoach stuff. To their credit GNE continue to run most of their services via it whereas Stagecoach only ever did in one direction (can't remember which now!) and then pulled out altogether to save the usage fee. Whether it's tightness from an operator or stupidity from Nexus in charging operators out of the infrastructure, I fear it goes to show doesn't matter whether private or public run, decisions will be made for the benefit of the balance sheet, not the public.
Must admit I don't understand why bus operators are charged to use interchanges, when they don't get anything in return since they shut all the travel shops etc. Surely it would be in their best interest to have the links so all of them have onward travel to the Metro so is a benefit for them especially when some of them are questionably not in the best place anyway - Park Lane definitely fits that category.