I think the point is largely being missed here. I would imagine the B1 is being launched in anticipation that Beamish may do a roaring trade this summer. The 28/28A might be a frequent service but it has a low bridge en route at Pelton which means that it cannot be allocated deckers. Off the top of my head, max capacity on a Versa at the moment will be between 20-25 people. Realistically, that means that 4 or 5 family groups could result in a full bus and leaving passengers who need the service to less well served places. Imagine working in Gateshead and living in Ouston or High Handenhold and you can't get your bus to or from work because it's full of families going to Beamish?

This route will allow a decker to work it if required, therefore potentially doubling capacity and with it being timed to run together with the 28, it should mean that anyone going to Beamish from Newcastle or Gateshead will get on the B1 and leaving local passengers with enough space on their bus.

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