Yes, most of the time. They only run the ride on one swing when the park is quiet, and they only need one. It's the same principal as running a coaster on one train.
I have never ridden it personally, but from reading previous encounters, I could guess that it is crammed, hot, full of chavs and generally unpleasant. But it's better to ask people who have been there and lived through it .
Thanks. So I suppose the "Thrill Rides" at Chessington these days don't have very long queues, because most people who want a thrill go to Thorpe Park. Is that right?