(21 Jun 2025, 6:35 am)Storx wrote For this service I'd probably try and be more creative with the route even known it might make it a bit uneven hourly wise and extend the X43 to Newcastle for the first two runs and from Newcastle for the last 2 runs with it extending onto a B1 to Beamish via Gateshead Interchange which extends onto the 2 long X43 boards. The X22 then doing similar but running direct from the Metrocentre to Beamish via Birtley as a B2 then both running dead to do their respective runs to the Metrocentre after that.

Beamish is horribly served and there's potential there to get some healthy loads, it's arguably better than running empty as no-one wants a express to Stanley / CLS at 9/10am on a Saturday morning or an express to the Metrocentre at 3/4pm when there's no return route and they're ideal for Beamish punters.

I don't think the network is ready for creativity. 

I do see your point but I think making it easier for large swathes of the population to get to a centre of employment or make a day out a little more affordable (both in terms of money and time poor) is a good thing and a positive use of BSIP 

On Beamish, I don't think it'll ever take off as a public transport option. During its peak, buses can't get near it and they end up diverting past it anyway. The current provision seems to cope ok, I imagine if commercial demand was there it would have happened by now - the fact they're looking at investigating expanding the car park tells us all we need to know.