In relation to the passenger numbers on X21/X22 - my usual 0900 X21 from Ashington-Newcastle is very busy by Bedlington heading into Newcastle.
However, a stereotype has been set. From day one, vehicles were breaking down, complaints came streaming through about breakdowns, use of 57-reg buses, the power sockets not working etc. Potential passengers have been put off by the fact that Sapphire E400s are being towed.
In all honest opinion, as a daily user of X21, I've seen passengers giving up on the bus when it fails somewhere and continuing their journey on foot/different service.
People expect and say that Sapphire will get passenger numbers on the X21/X22, because of the likes of the 7.
If Arriva bought an entirely new fleet of Enviro400s for the X21/X22, I don't think that I'll be sat here typing this, but commending Arriva on their investment.
RE: Arriva North East: Latest News & Discussion - May 2015