(26 Apr 2016, 12:28 pm)LeeCalder wrote There's obviously going to be an increase if they have merged four services

(26 Apr 2016, 5:56 pm)Adrian wrote I'm not sure how that would be the case? Would the figures they've compared not be against the previous four services combined?

I reckon the direct link to Newcastle on the Q1/Q2 accounts for some of that growth, as passengers are no longer changing at Gateshead.

(26 Apr 2016, 5:48 pm)Davie wrote 5243-5247 are now Washington based and will be branded Whey Aye 50, for service's 5 & 50, 4978-4982 should be allocated to the 19.

(26 Apr 2016, 5:48 pm)Dan wrote The correct allocation is Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse vehicles - fleet numbers 4978 to 4982. These just carry Go North East's corporate livery.

I am guessing the different vehicles you've seen on it the past few days are the peak-time runs? These do occasionally throw up wrong allocations - usually whichever single deck is left in the depot.

(26 Apr 2016, 6:14 pm)NK53 TKT wrote Can deckers go through the Tyne Tunnel?

(26 Apr 2016, 6:15 pm)Davie wrote Yes.

(26 Apr 2016, 6:30 pm)NK53 TKT wrote Is there a separate tunnel then just the main tunnel appears to have a 4m height limit and the smallest GNE decker (an olympian) is 4.33m

(26 Apr 2016, 6:33 pm)Dan wrote The inside lane has a 5.1m maximum headway - it's just the outside lane that has a 4.0m headway. Double deckers therefore have to use the inside lane (which service 9 usually does anyway).

(26 Apr 2016, 5:56 pm)Adrian wrote I'm not sure how that would be the case? Would the figures they've compared not be against the previous four services combined?

I reckon the direct link to Newcastle on the Q1/Q2 accounts for some of that growth, as passengers are no longer changing at Gateshead.

(26 Apr 2016, 6:07 pm)Crusader wrote I haven't had the chance to see the Red Kite since it changed...does anyone have any views on how it is coping for capacity with the mixed single/double deck allocation? Does reliability seem to have improved?

(26 Apr 2016, 9:45 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote Although the 47 might still get busy during the peak times, are the off peak journeys affected in any given way?

Also, if GNE considered to fully convert the Red Kite to double decks, would the 45 / 46 justify the extra capacity?

I don't think the Red Kite will ever go fully double deck. I'd have to look at the times again but I wonder if 6 vehicles would be enough to make sure that the majority if not, all 47 peak time runs in the according direction are double deck. The best option (and no order predictions please, will happily discuss on appropriate thread) if 6 was enough would be to use the current TTX B9s if they got replaced (and aren't in a worse state than the B7s that they replaced). Bearing in mind that due to the nature of the Red Kite, they'd need tip up seats added for pushchairs and bar the lack of NSAs (could be easily ammended), should need no other work done in terms of interiors or comfort.

(26 Apr 2016, 6:50 pm)Andreos1 wrote Just random figures like.

Then: 20 people travel to Gateshead on the 51.
5 people get on the Q1 at Gateshead.

Now: 25 people on one service

Then there may be that additional growth you mention.

(26 Apr 2016, 10:09 pm)BusLoverMum wrote I've caught the 45/46 in both directions at various points on a Saturday and it's always a well filled Streetdeck, sometimes with standees. No idea about term time weekdays, though.

(27 Apr 2016, 9:46 am)Dans_bus_photos wrote 4955 is now red

(27 Apr 2016, 10:52 am)Ryan99 wrote Is that the ex prince bishop or do you mean 4954

(27 Apr 2016, 10:52 am)Ryan99 wrote Is that the ex prince bishop or do you mean 4954

(27 Apr 2016, 12:35 am)GMitchelhill wrote You mean Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 

(28 Apr 2016, 12:24 pm)JP6004 wrote May aswell ask before Michael does   has anymore streetlites arrived?

(28 Apr 2016, 12:24 pm)JP6004 wrote May aswell ask before Michael does   has anymore streetlites arrived?

(28 Apr 2016, 12:24 pm)JP6004 wrote May aswell ask before Michael does   has anymore streetlites arrived?

(28 Apr 2016, 3:47 pm)Michael wrote Cheeky!

(28 Apr 2016, 6:09 pm)JP6004 wrote RUMOUR ALERT: Apparently the 11 is being withdrawn from June???