(09 Sep 2013, 12:25 pm)GMitchelhill wrote I think 99% of bus users want the bus just to turn up. I don't think they be bothered if it came with Wi-Fi or not. I think they be more bothered if there was a couple of wasps on board though.
I think we'll have to agree to disagree here.
I would have agreed with you on that point 10 years ago, but if that was the case, why would bus companies these days go to the expense of brand new buses with Wi-Fi, plug sockets, high back seating, leather seating in some cases, and so on. In fact I recall GNE running a survey on this for the Tyne Tees Express (results). The marketing department obviously feel that there is a demand in such features and with commuter services, otherwise they would have stuck a couple of ex-London Prestiges or something on the X9/X10.
The Red Arrows, TEN, Angel and TTX are all established fast frequent commuter services. I'd even say they're becoming victims of their own success in many ways. Despite it's 10min frequency, you tend to find the X1 always fills up at the Galleries towards Newcastle. The same could be said about the Angel coming out of Durham. I can't really comment on the other two, as I rarely use them. Prior to the Red Arrows and Angel becoming what they are now though, I would normally just use the 50 if I was heading to Durham, or I'd use the M1 and Metro if heading towards Newcastle, as I found it more convenient than having to head to the Galleries or to Chester Le Street first. Reason I do that now? More comfortable and I can catch up on emails with my iPad.