Just a list of possible operators here and it likely will be more than one if sub contracting happening.

Stagecoach
Arriva
Go North East
Coatham Coaches
Richardsons
Garnetts
Lee’s of Durham
Gateshead Central
Gerrisons

In fact any operator in the North East could probably bid for it. Of course others are more likely than others and some won’t bid at all but it don’t mean it’s just likely to be Stagecoach, after all they never got it in 2010 so while they is a good chance this time it’s far from definite.
Speaking of which it’s going to be interesting where Stagecoach Teesside/ Hartlepool will pick up any double deckers from. I think the 1,6/7 and 36 will definitely need a few on as large crowds are expected again and definitely full size buses at least for other time as I don’t see the Manviros / enviro 200 coping to well they struggled in 2010 with the additional useage to them If they did win the park and ride they would need deckers for that as well. So I think they possibly going to need at least 20 for park and ride, 1,6/7 and 36 to cope and it likely still won’t be enough.