(Yesterday, 5:03 pm)L469 YVK wrote And it looks like B9TLs can too!
I really do like your Derwentside ideas! Looking at the current vs estimate PVR's on the Derwentside to Newcastle services:
2025 - 29
2022 - 25
2021 - 32
2019 (incl the M6/7/8) - 34
These suggestions including the Whickham express based on a rough estimate would come in at 38. However, the quality of service and offering to passengers would dramatically improve. The new links created by the 46, 47 & 47A could potentially qualify for BSIP funding too.
If passengers have a simple, easy to use and easy to market network to rely on without the gimmicks or a myriad of meaningless route numbers going on a mystery tour, they will use the services.
Yeah and if you wanted to save a few buses you could probably cut the 97(301) back to Gateshead and drop it down to every 30 minutes interworking with the 96.
The X97, let's call it will do the Newcastle links now so it's not really needed, bar a very few bus stops near Dunston Hill but their in walking distance of the X97/Lobley Hill anyway.
What happens with the 301 is open, maybe merge it with the 93/94 somehow so there's no loss in the Bensham area.and open direct Newcastle to Team Valley links?