(28 Sep 2014, 6:25 pm)Andreos1 wrote Not sure the 56 will ever be reliable in its current guise - very similar to the 21, in that the nature of the route (roadworks or not) is going to cause issues.Could it be done by keeping the current 56, but at a 20 minute frequency and introducing a new Express Service like Andreos suggests...
My own thoughts would be to split the service in someway.
Newcastle - Concord - express to Sunderland via A1231, Waterview Park/Fire Bridge HQ roundabout and then normal route from Southwick.
Concord - Sunderland on current frequency.
Should be doable without changing the fleet about too much.
Not sure about timings, someone may be able to work those out.
Mu suggestion
X56...Sunderland-Express to Washington Galleries-Springwell-Wrekenton-Express to Gateshead/Newcastle
Keep it at a 10 minute combined frequency