Just had a thought here, but if GNE want to **** around pulling out of the Coast Road agreement - how about this from Arriva?

- 306
* Every 15 mins Mon-Sat
* Every 30 mins evenings
* Every 20 mins Sundays

- 308
* Every 15 mins Mon-Sat
* Every 30 mins evenings
* Every 20 mins Sundays

The key being....both the 306 & 308 serve Battle Hill Drive meaning a true core 7-8 minute frequency between Billy Mill and Newcastle. Only other thing I'd say....pull the pointless Marden / Whitley Bay extension of the 306. Send the 57/57A down that way if any local use.

If anything, Battle Hill Drive isn't 'that' much longer than the 308 staying on the Coast Road via St Peters. And as for Holy Cross.....users already have to use the subway coming back from Newcastle. So no real difference there.

If Arriva did that, GNE's Coast Road operation would literally be reduced to the scraps running and running around on StreetLites!