(29 Dec 2014, 2:06 pm)Dan wrote Both directions.
Go North East stated on their website that the changes are being made to improve reliability, with the service operating direct between Lambton and Chester-le-Street. Haven't looked at the timetable, but I'm guessing the time saved by not serving Ayton will be used up in increased layover time and/or recovery time at a timing point mid-route.
The 50 and Ayton is becoming a Yo-Yo. I can think of about 3 times over the past 6-7 years where it's been put back in and then taken out of Ayton. In essence, there should be no real need for a route like the 50 to serve either Ayton or Lambton, which would massively assist with reliability. Just run it 100% direct between the Galleries and Chester le Street again.
A Chester le Street terminus should ideally be served by a mini bus service to and from Washington, combining with the frequency of the 8.