(28 May 2014, 8:05 pm)Tom wrote Here are a few suggestions I've come up with for the Chester-le-Street and Washington area services:
the WAGGONWAY 28/28A:
These services would remain largely unchanged, however, these would extend from Chester-le-Street to Waldridge Park, to replace services 34 and 34A which would be reduced in frequency. The 28 would continue to The Avenue/Bullion Lane, while the 28A would continue to Garden House Farm. This would additionally provide better links for residents of this area.
Lambton Worm 34/34A:
These services would operate to a reduced frequency throughout the route, of 30 minutes, however, the areas affected would still receive a regular service by either service M3, or the WAGGONWAY 28/28A combined with the Lambton Worm services. It would operate to the same route as now.
38 and East Durham Services 71/238:
The 71 would remain at it's current frequency and timetable as now better Houghton-le-Spring and Chester-le-Street. However, one journey per hour would continue to Seaham via the current 238 route. This would replace service 238, and allow service 38 to operate to a more consistent timetable between Tunstall Bank Estate and Sunderland. At Seaham, this service would interwork with the 265 to provide bigger services for this busy service.
Washington Local Services M2/M3:
These services would now operate between Chester-le-Street and Concord, as opposed to Birtley and Heworth. Service M2 would operate half-hourly from Chester-le-Street direct to Birtley via Barley Mow, then via it's normal route to Concord. Services M3 and M3A would operate from Chester-le-Street to Coach Road Estate half hourly via Pelton, Urpeth Grange (M3), Ouston (M3A), Birtley then it's normal route to Concord, with the M3A extending to Coach Road Estate.
Washington Local Service W5/W6:
These services would operate via it's normal route from Barmston Court or Brady Square to Washington, however would extend to Heworth to make up for the loss of the M2 and M3. The W5 would operate via Donwell, and the W6 would operate via Sulgrave. This would also increase passenger numbers.
What does everyone think?
To be honest, I can see something there. The only problem is, the best part of the 34/34A route to replace from my point of view would be the Urpeth Grange - Chester section; it must make twice as much in the Waldridge Park area, it also seems to drop a lot of driver's off home.