(09 Nov 2014, 5:10 pm)Dan wrote I'd argue that four buses per hour would be more than enough anyway, to be fair. I'm often the only passenger on the bus when travelling between Winlaton and Blaydon (although this, bizarrely, does seem to be more prevalent when travelling in the direction of Gateshead). I'm one of many who change buses at Blaydon to use the 10 instead of staying on the 49, too, but we've done the debate on direct services versus changing buses in the past before.
To be honest, I don't know what patronage is like on services between Winlaton and Metrocentre (or Blaydon and Winlaton) these days.
I grew up in Winlaton. When minibuses were the norm back in the 90's they were usually well-used to the point of being standing-room only on Saturday services. The last time I got the bus to Winlaton was on Wednesday, 10th September (My car was getting MOT'd which is why I know the date) and it was around half full at approx 13:30. I don't know whether this is usual for this service.
Including the 31, buses per hour between Winlaton and Metrocentre would still stand at six which is around the same level of service as seen in the late 90's (M1 x 2, M4, M5, M7 and M9).