There's obviously going to be an increase if they have merged four services

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.

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.

Indeed - if they are no longer changing at Gateshead then that means there would be a reduction in the number of passengers (as they would have boarded two buses now only one) - so to see a growth in passengers seems like it really is a growth and not just some spin of the figures

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.

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.

Cheers both,

Regarding different vehicles, I think I'm completely wrong there. I thought I saw a corporate liveried Omnicity today, but it was only a glimpse af the rear, and I've now realised that the B7RLE's have full sized rear destinations. On the other occasions, it's more than likely been a B7RLE as well. (Early morning, not fully awake, so I've just jumped to 'B10' when I've seen the back end of red single deckers)

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?

Can deckers go through the Tyne Tunnel?

Can deckers go through the Tyne Tunnel?

Yes.

Yes.

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

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

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).

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).

Ah thank you

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.

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.

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?

Reliability seems to have marginally improved - but as I predicted the 47 gets full to the brim with passengers. I was on it the other night and we couldn't let a buggy on (or anyone else for that matter) because there were passengers standing from one end of the bus to the other. We weren't even at the Metro too...

My Auntie also gets the 47 in the mornings and at peak times and she stands every single day on a streetlite, and she also said that in the morning a driver on the 47 went the wrong way at Swalwell Roundabout and went down to the rugby club instead, made her late for work.

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.

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.

I've caught the 45/46 in both directions at various points on a Saturday and it's always a well filled Streetdeck Streetlite(!), sometimes with standees. No idea about term time weekdays, though.

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.

Lies, damn lies and statistics...

I only ever use Quaylink from Gateshead to Newcastle (the Sage detour annoys me) but it's a decent service despite many roadworks and traffic issues in Newcastle.

It would be nice if GNE took on the Sightseeing Franchise, would be a nice link up with Quaylink, we might get better kit too!

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.

You mean Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 

4955 is now red

4955 is now red

Is that the ex prince bishop or do you mean 4954

6002 is now branded

---

Is that the ex prince bishop or do you mean 4954

The ex Fast Cats, from what I've been told.

The 45/46/47 have always been busy during morning and evening peaks particularly between Rowlands Gill and Eldon Sq.  Out of these times loads tend to be about 50%.  Not sure if a full decker allocation could be justified at present.

And to add to the earlier post, 6118 - 6121 could just go to Chester for the Angel (2x branded + 2 spare). They'd only need NSAs fitted.

Is that the ex prince bishop or do you mean 4954

No otherwise id have said that it was 4954. Its 4955-NA02NVL ex- fast cats

Saw a couple of Streetlites on the way to Newcastle this morning on the 47 going both ways near the MetroCentre and they both looked quite busy this was at about half 9


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You mean Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 

Doh! I meant streetlite, actually

May aswell ask before Michael does   has anymore streetlites arrived?

The Cobalt Connect tab has been removed from the Go North East site.

May aswell ask before Michael does   has anymore streetlites arrived?

No, but 5421 - 5423 are all at Heysham Docks awaiting delivery. Came over from Ireland on Tuesday night.

May aswell ask before Michael does   has anymore streetlites arrived?

Cheeky!

May aswell ask before Michael does   has anymore streetlites arrived?

Cheeky!

But true 

RUMOUR ALERT: Apparently the 11 is being withdrawn from June???

RUMOUR ALERT: Apparently the 11 is being withdrawn from June???

Never seen anything on VOSA.  If withdrawn from June, it should have been on VOSA by now I would have thought.