Go North East improves connections to Dalton Park

Go North East has announced changes to its X1 services, including new connections to Dalton Park outlet shopping centre, more frequent journeys to Newcastle, and the introduction of double-decker buses on the route.

Ben Gilligan, managing director at Go North East, said: "We’re really excited to be introducing significant improvements to our X1 services and for our passengers to enjoy smoother, more comfortable journeys on new buses, which only joined our fleet in January.

"These service changes will benefit so many people in our communities, including commuters and those enjoying a weekend evening out in Newcastle."

A new X1A service will run hourly, Monday to Saturday, connecting Houghton-le-Spring, Newbottle, Penshaw, Washington, Springwell, and Old Durham Road to Dalton Park and Murton.

Passengers travelling between Newcastle and Hetton-le-Hole will also see a frequency boost, with buses now running every 12 minutes instead of every 15, providing 25 per cent more capacity.

During weekdays between 5pm and 6pm, departures from Eldon Square will be as frequent as every 10 minutes.

Late-night travellers have also been considered, with Go North East introducing later departures from Newcastle to Easington Lane.

The last bus now leaves at 12.03am on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing revellers a safe journey home.

Go North East is advising all X1 passengers to check the latest schedules via its app or website, as changes affect departure times across the route and include service renumbering.

The Dalton Park extension is now the X1A, with the former X1A rebranded as the X1B, starting from the Vigo Lane/Picktree Lane junction.