(04 Mar 2026, 4:43 am)F114TML wrote The won't take the risk because (feel like a broken record here) why invest in sonething you're very likely going to have taken off you very soon?
Plus, the group is owned by an investment firm, who want it to look as good as possible on paper.
That's true, although without risk you get the same old & that income is not always as guaranteed. For example, a new bus service being set up by a competitor happens to take all the usual Stagecoach passengers, or indeed just generally people finding alternatives, or indeed big retail businesses or places of employment/education leave the area. Then what...
Even though, between Sunderland and Newcastle I'd personally use the 56 or X24 over the Metro to commute, just a lot less stress in many ways, even if it means a slightly longer journey.
Some routes that I would love to see, but can't see happening anytime soon:
- Sunderland To Middlesbrough via Doxford International, Dalton Park and Easington Colliery then onto Hartlepool, Seaton Carew and Middlesbrough with an extension built onto service 1. Also allows peak service X1 to be withdrawn in the process...
- Seasonal Open Top Bus between Sunderland, Roker, Seaburn, Whitburn, Marsden Bay, Coast Road, Ocean Road and South Shields, which would be more direct than the E1 during the summer.
- Extending the X20/30 onto Heworth, Gateshead & Newcastle. The 30 originally went to Heworth around 2003 time, although would be nice to grow these routes & allow other parts of South Tyneside, including South Shields to have more of a direct link to Newcastle that isn't on-board one of those awful new Metro's.
- Coach Service between Newcastle and Edinburgh. I'm sure this would be very popular if promoted well & timed to fit when most people want to travel.
- More Express Buses at Peak Time - Generally Limited Stop. For example, an 'X39' between Newcastle and Dumpling Hall, possibly starting from a business park alike Cobalt or Quorum. These would be very beneficial for once the new Government buildings open up in Newcastle City Centre...