(07 Dec 2015, 1:02 am)Jimmi wrote I also think the 20/20A would not get double deckers anytime soon as I don't think it is busy enough to justify double deckers most of the time, usually when I have used the 20/20A you will leave Park Lane you can have a few standees but usually only as far as Barnes Park or Sunderland College, I think it can be fairly busy at peak times although I haven't used it much at these times. There is also the amount buying around 20 double deckers would cost, especially if you kit it out with WiFi, next stop announcements and stuff. I think if the 20/20A was going to get double deckers, GNE would have maybe trialled the StreetDeck on there but considering a single decker (Volvo B8RLE) Was trialled, I would assume if the 20/20A is upgraded soon, it would most likely be single deckers.

To be fair, there must only be a handful of services across the region that can justify deckers at all points of the day.

Some prime routes like the X1 or 56 could possibly get away with Solo's at certain times, due to the low numbers using those quieter runs.

I saw an X1 Newcastle bound the other day, carrying fresh air.

(07 Dec 2015, 1:22 am)Michael wrote Another point is: 

I don't think they'll want to drop the frequancy of the 20/20A either if it became double decker (just suggesting it, might no happen), if they do it means each service could become every 30 minutes on certain parts of the route (every 15 minutes on parts of it). It might work because it will be double decker ran but i don't think GNE will do that.

I'll say Streetlites for it.

At least the 20 scania's can replace rest of the Cadets and some of the B10's.

Please don't say that.
Imagine the rattles on the fast sections of the route?

But to join in with the game of vehicle suggestions for the 20's, I propose the Van Hool Astromega TDX21.
With WiFi, plug sockets, at seat entertainment and a complementary trolley service, served by scantily clad staff.
Hey, I want value for money for my £4.10 fare!

On a route like the 27 or 56, the frequency can be dropped by a minute or two, due to route being a 'whole'. It doesn't split like the 20's do.
So out of a PVR of 12, 6 will be on a 20, with the balance on a 20a.
This maintains the 10min headway on common sections.
I think there may be another floating somewhere due to the way the timetable is set up.

I am not sure a combined 15 min frequency would work as efficiently, if it did get deckers.
If you have a larger vehicle, then it is going to take longer to load/unload at key destinations too. Particularly if you are merging the equivalent of two bus loads on to the larger bus (4 hourly deps vs 6).