(16 Jan 2016, 10:29 am)S813 FVK wrote Interesting. Looking to upgrade the service, perhaps?
I'd imagine that Go North East is just utilising resources effectively, providing sufficient capacity to match demand. The NUFC football match kicks off at 15:00, so the 12:45 X85 out of Hexham is likely to get quite full.
5230 is currently allocated to this running board, and will presumably be replaced by 3942 (which is currently stationed at Hexham). It will have to be replaced itself upon arrival back at Hexham, as it would naturally work the 17:50 X84 on this running board. The 17:10 X85 is currently being operated by 5233.
Although single-decks get quite busy at peak-times (often with standing room only), I don't think double deckers could be justified on a permanent basis.