(24 Mar 2026, 8:42 am)TheClumsyPineapple wrote I definitely agree that there is a need of a rework of the Ventures. Such a shame the network was cut back. The V3 to The Dene was handy but very much not popular. It could be argued a circular type serving most areas is needed to remove pressure on NCL bound routes. The Templetown extension seemed odd but I was guessing it was to help with driver shuttles?

I think so. That Consett Bus Station to Depot extension just caused a mess for the X45 & 16
They did the X45 to Hownsgill from I think the September 2022 changes to the January 2023 changes.
Later in the year they did the 16 to Hownsgill instead of Tesco's for a few months which then finished.
Then they had the 16 take over the 47 extension to Shotley Bridge. Which allowed the 47 when it took over the X46 part from Bridgehill to Consett to no longer be extended to Shotley Bridge Hospital.
The V5 took over the Hownsgill chunk which obviously remains today.

The V3 was only in place because of the V5 becoming the 47A and the 47A never served The Dene. Only got removed as the locals wanted the V5 instead of the Newcastle bus.