(06 Nov 2014, 2:27 pm)Dan wrote I'm very much the same, and have never really understood the hate against high frequency streamlined services connecting major hubs opposed to direct round the world services.
I frequently have to make journeys to Houghton-le-Spring from the Stadium of Light Metro station - I have the 35 which takes me right there, but this takes slightly longer, so I'd rather jump off the 35 and jump onto the 20 instead.
Not sure hate is the right word.
I have already pointed out my issue with the streamlined direct services and it being partly based on the impact caused by the 2006 changes.
If a customer has a bus, which is affordable and takes them to the heart of a city/town and that is axed and then replaced by a journey that involves at least one change (sometimes two) and at the same time, you are asked to pay twice the price for the privilege...
Those changes, don't just impact on the customers pocket though.
It can be (and has meant), people are forced to change plans, arrangements, social lives, shifts or routines - based what can be a longer, more circuitous trip, involving hanging around at interchange points, which quite often aren't designed for that.
Before anyone suggests it, Nexus, DCC or whoever else shouldn't be left with the bill to improve the facilities based on an operators commercial choices either.
The point Chris makes about hitting lucky with the X1, X66 and 49 was interesting.
I imagine his opinion would be totally different should the journey be done regularly, facing delays or missed connections during the rush hour in the morning or afternoon.
You may like changing buses; however people with kids, shopping, bags, laptops etc don't always appreciate it - particularly when (which is the point of this thread) they pay what can be, quite a lot of money to do so.
More than they would do on a direct service...