I used both 7504 and 7509 today, neither sounded particularly 'good', particularly the former. I listen to music on my way to the bus stop, and usually can't hear the bus approaching, however this morning it was as though I didn't have my headphones in, was horrifically loud, 

7509 wasn't quite as loud, but it was making a more worrying noise, almost groaning, didn't sound right. 

While getting off 7509, I noticed a guy in a hi-vis jacket with Arriva uniform on, frequently see him around Ashington depot. He was on the seats opposite the driver, would he have been watching the drivers performance or?