(20 Dec 2014, 8:07 pm)gtom wrote Seems like a desperate token gesture. Not really much they can do about the issues around Central at the moment and taking into account the peak time of the year.
If services like 43/44 etc are affected (and judging by Facebook they are struggling up the route) then surely some short reserve runs (especially if there's no scholars PVR) would make sense. If your losing mileage why not stick in some short runs. We've seen Chester do it with the Angel from Birtley numerous times
Observed the diversion today and it did actually seem to help - buses getting through a lot faster than they would via the usual route.
I noticed that Stanley were providing Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 4902 for short runs between Newcastle and Metrocentre earlier, allowing customers to get to the Metrocentre from Newcastle when a bus had been regulated on its trip to Newcastle.