(03 Jan 2014, 10:35 pm)Dan wrote I'm surprised GNE haven't willingly taken on the secured runs if that's the case... Standing at 4-5am in the morning? A sign of a good service if you ask me, one of which seems attractive to operate commercially.
Like I said in my previous post... Considered the consistensy of passenger numbers? If the ones on the Laser are consisently high over a service which has highs, lows, in betweens... I can definitely see why the Laser is being rumoured further investment into double decked vehicles and the Bishops just cascades to see if things improve (oh, a little like the Crusader, also down as a service potentially receiving investment next year).
There is a 4oclock in the morning?!
Just guessing here, but maybe the secured bit is towards Sunderland from the Low Moorsley direction (where loadings are bound to be lower).
Standing room at that time of the morning, on a frequent service like that?
Surprised they don't use dupes or stick deckers on to ease the crowding if it is always that busy (can swap later in morning)!
Apart from shift workers at Port of Tyne, I have no idea why so many people would be doing the trip.
Yeah, I have considered the consistency of passenger numbers too (see previous comments on the 20 consistently picking up passengers who prefer it over the 35 between Houghton and Sunderland).
Edit. I forgot about the ongoing issues the Solars had in 2013 too.
Edit edit. Another point to make is the size of the PVR.
Replacing the fleet on the 35's and displacing them elsewhere has a massive impact on replacing older vehicles - more so than the 20's, which has a smaller PVR.
Replace the Solar's on the 20's and you still have a few older vehicles (which are past it) kicking about.