(22 Jul 2013, 7:42 pm)Andreos1 wrote As far as I'm aware, it has always been operated by one of the Newcastle depots.

It used be seen on a daily basis, heading back along the Felling Bypass after a day at Shields

I remember having a ride of the South Tyneside CitySightseeing service as a kid, but I wasn't that into buses to divulge into which depot operated. As far as I was concerned, it was a big red bus and I liked it.
Does seem strange to me though - I know Shields is a low-floor depot (minus the Stockton Olympian which is in there at the mo, although it won't see service), but is it really worth having that status over running costs?