(24 Feb 2015, 9:48 pm)Robert wrote The 'Bike Bus' feature was introduced to service 78 only when the buses were repainted and refurbished in 2009 while service 8 ran between Chester-le-Street and Castleside only:
09-10 V989 ETN VoB10BLE-Wright 4899 of GoNE, Chester le St by delticalco, on Flickr
It wasnt until service 8 was extended to Sunderland and the Stanley - Castleside section was replaced by service V8 when the chester renowns (4850-4855 only as 4896 was part of the 78s PVR) were fitted with the cycle friendly feature.
I think the potential was there.
Whilst I understand why some of them were put into place, I think too many obstacles, rules and red tape were put in the way to make it attractive.
When hearing about the facility, it was initially of interest to me.
Started planning a trip out, but then realised it wouldn't work for us.