(15 Sep 2013, 3:27 pm)W179SCU wrote There are lots of MPD services that could benefit from bigger buses. However, there are some services within that brand that don't get enough passengers.
Some bigger buses on the East Durham possibly. I agree, the 265 can get very busy, especially Durham-Hetton. I saw a MPD leaving Durrham full with a couple of standees not too long ago. The 202 can get busy too. I'd say the 208 doesn't get busy enough for anything busier than a MPD.
The North Tyne Links service aren't that busy. Although, the 80 is very busy at peak times. The 40/41 overall depends. Wallsend-Howdon can be busy if a 1 is running behind, but if a 1 is in front it doesn't get very busy.
Venture services can get busy too. V1/V2 are the most popular services from the lot, I've saw a MPD full a few times leaving Consett. Saying that, the V8 can also get very busy. Consett-Castleside has been quiet when I've saw it though. The V9 and 689 are poorly used in my opinion though.
The Tynedale Links services are a bit up and down too. The 74, 688 and 686 could do with a upgrade as they are usually very busy, but the 683/687 should just stay with MPD's.
I mean the current interworking at Peterlee means they could get two vehicle types something smaller: Solo SR's for 201/206/208/209/923 and something larger Versas (if there's any spares after fleet changes) for the 202/265/260/259. I was just thinking about there's a lot of Solars spare, could they be shuffled around and some Renowns or something for NorthTyne Links services?