(03 Aug 2015, 11:05 am)Dan wrote No, this is not a promotional bus. It can be confirmed as the new route branding for services 35 and 36.
The "See it, do it, Sunderland" brand promotes links to Sunderland from locations further afield such as Low Moorsley, Chester-le-Street, Houghton-le-Spring and Boldon, using Sunderland City Council's well-known marketing campaign which advertises the things to see and do in Sunderland. On the photograph; it is clear that Sunderland's architecture (the Wearmouth Bridge) and its educational activities (the Winter Gardens Museum) are being promoted. Services 35 and 36 stop close by both of these places.
I quite like the route branding - in my opinion it's like a slightly toned down version of the "Coast & Country" branding. The branding stands out a lot more than the old "laser" design too, which hopefully will draw more attention to the bus from potential customers! The gold base livery does worry me somewhat though, as it's more or less impossible to colour match this gold paint when a panel has to be replaced due to damage...
I see!
Slightly odd though for customers in Chester going from Town Centre to Lumley on the See it Do it Sunderland bus!
I assume Sunderland Council is working in partnership with GNE for this branding then?
Could be a good thing for the business if they can prove branding works and do partnership brands (however that brings more pressure on depots to get allocations right!)
I am wondering though if the livery may have looked better on different base colour?
I'm not keen on this brand with the base colour, can't think what would of suited better mind.