(07 Dec 2015, 7:29 am)Andreos1 wrote 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.


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).