(26 Oct 2014, 6:40 pm)Jimmi wrote I've just had a look at my photo of 4814 and zoomed in and the seats look either really dark blue or black but is difficult to tell as the windows look really dark plus things are reflecting onto the windows, so 4814 may have been done but I'm not 100% on that.

I'll try and see tomorrow.

As for next stop announcements - Darlington 1/1b will get them soon (Pulsars are being fitted with screens at present) and the Streetlites on X1 will also be so fitted (in MAX livery).

(26 Oct 2014, 9:05 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote For the MAX next stop announcements, they should either use Heart or Metro Radio. I know Jenny sounds more professional but, Steve and Karen or Gary and Lisa would give a much more local feel to MAX services.

For the MAX next stop announcements, they should either use Heart or Metro Radio. I know Jenny sounds more professional but, Steve and Karen or Gary and Lisa would give a much more local feel to MAX services.

(26 Oct 2014, 9:05 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote For the MAX next stop announcements, they should either use Heart or Metro Radio. I know Jenny sounds more professional but, Steve and Karen or Gary and Lisa would give a much more local feel to MAX services.

(26 Oct 2014, 2:06 pm)Jimmi wrote I think the Pulsar was 1428. Rather odd that these two Omnicitys were out today, I was expecting it to be all Pulsars today. No idea what the other bus was as I didn't see any bus on the 1130 X66 journey out of Darlington.
Is it possible that some Pulsars may have been off to have the next stop announcements sorted?

If it's any help, 2868 worked the 1530 X66 from Darlington

(26 Oct 2014, 2:06 pm)Jimmi wrote I think the Pulsar was 1428. Rather odd that these two Omnicitys were out today, I was expecting it to be all Pulsars today. No idea what the other bus was as I didn't see any bus on the 1130 X66 journey out of Darlington.
Is it possible that some Pulsars may have been off to have the next stop announcements sorted?

(27 Oct 2014, 8:26 am)Jimmi wrote Services 22/24 look to use the same buses despite route changes as 4643 is on the 24.

(27 Oct 2014, 8:28 am)Dan wrote At least one Streetlite is definitely out on 23s today.

(27 Oct 2014, 8:28 am)Dan wrote At least one Streetlite is definitely out on 23s today.

(27 Oct 2014, 8:35 am)Michael wrote You will have to let us know, how the numbers are like on the new X21  

In regards to above, left with two or three (those Scanias are speedy!)

 Be careful when out and about in Sunderland today, folks, a wild Nexus beast has been let loose and she is already seeking her prey. Get too close and you may be beaten with her clipboard... Consider yourselves warned.

(27 Oct 2014, 8:42 am)Dan wrote Only going to see that run until this afternoon now, and I will probably go out for the Durham X21 run tonight too.

The 0830 X7 arrival into Park Lane still came in with a fullly seated load, as usual, and I'd suggest that four passengers on the first day of service at this time of day is fairly reasonable. Will let you know what it leaves with in five mins.

It appeared that the driver of the X7 (5203) was talking with the driver of the X21, presumably discussing the new route etc.

(27 Oct 2014, 9:54 am)Dan wrote 2806 looking fairly smart again after receiving a splash of paint on the parts which required it...

(26 Oct 2014, 9:14 pm)Dan wrote Have to agree, here.

The monotonous voice with no regional accent makes the Next Stop Announcements a lot less personal, and I'd even suggest that it makes them more repetitive so passengers are likely to resent the announcements even more.
The announcements on Go North East's "Fab Fifty Six" and "Cobalt Clipper" buses are far superior in my opinion. Admittedly, I think that some of the cheesy lines used on the "Red Arrows" are a step too far, and I think that these ought to be reviewed at some point...

Of course if professionality is the image Arriva are wanting, then perhaps the monotonous voices are better in their eyes. Perhaps they should reflect their perception of professionality on their repaints, too. As I have already mentioned, the lack of consistency in livery designs when repainting buses is incredibly poor and doesn't show professionality in the slightest.