12 Jul 2017, 7:47 pm
#101
(12 Jul 2017, 5:59 pm)Michael 5210 is now "Go North East".
I find this not surprising and yet surprising at the same time. As we now know, the X84/5 will be going up by a PVR of 1, to a total of 5 from the 23rd of July. If you include a spare vehicle, in a similar role to 5229, I expected 6 citaro's to be moving to Hexham. The fact that 5298 and 5304 have been withdrawn for refurb, suggests that 7 will in fact move and thus I expected 5210 would also be displaced from Hexham to a spare role. However with the withdrawal of 5233, and assuming the rumours of 5229-5233 moving to the 28/28a (obviously now minus 5233) were true, I expected 5210 would be taking 5233s place as a new Waggonway. Perhaps the rumour is not true, maybe it was correct at the time, but since 5233s untimely departure, plans have changed, or maybe the Waggonway is being dropped...anybody able to shed any light on the situation?
(12 Jul 2017, 7:15 pm)G-CPTN The USP of the TEN was its text name rather than a simple numerical 10.
How many other brands (of any operator) are identified by a (simple) text name? - this was brilliant marketing IMO.
In addition the livery was unique rather than appearing to be just a single-coloured bus (the bold (wine) band between the windows added distinction.
While I get your point, you can't deny that it's a bit bland. Dull and darker colours aren't really very exciting to the consumer. A livery that is bright, friendly, and even fun in appearance is more likely to entice the average public joe to investigate. Plus, the additional marketing associated with the launch of a new brand and a more intrinsic link to the area in which the route operates (the Tyne Valley) makes me think they might be onto a winner with the Tyne Valley Ten.
