(12 Feb 2021, 7:58 pm)mb134 wrote Not to mention that the buses will also have been used by Jesmond drivers, so there'd likely be some apprehension from GNE drivers about using them. To be honest this is probably why services weren't shifted between ANE depots.

Totally agreed, I'm sure that's what happened down in Darlington where they weren't allowed to have Stockton drivers across because of the risks.

(12 Feb 2021, 8:04 pm)L469 YVK wrote If push comes to the shove, GNE could even take some 306 and 52/53/54 boards on. 306 could be changed at Formica like when GNE used to jointly run the 308.

52/53/54 could either be changed in Chirton near the Quadrant on Billy Mill Avenue or New York.

Not a chance would Arriva sub contract the 306 out to GNE that would be just stupid. The 44 or 45 would be the next routes they'd do imo as there's no competition so once it's over it's either Arriva or no-one.

All those services have either GNE / Stagecoach competing on large chunks of the route who could potentially take the custom after.

Also I'm guessing the services are being done as they're expecting more passengers on the 52, 54 and 55 because of the Metro closure and they're the realistic alternatives so can't afford any cancellations without problems (probably the same reason they didn't go to Sunday service like most other services).