(13 Dec 2017, 11:29 pm)S813 FVK wrote Not just Arriva who do that, the majority of the recent Go North East brands have a route map on there too:
Go North East: 5289 / NK08CGE by Daniel Graham, on Flickr
I think, in this case, a route like the above was probably the best to take. While I understand what they are trying to do with the pictures, I think the execution could have been better (ie making the bus seem like a pleasant environment, rather than a cramped one that involves standing).
Arriva just sprang to mind being from an Arriva dominated area.
I think, had they gone for the route 'map' (such as those in the picture), they could have kept the old roller blind-esque displays, on the rear at least. I agree with much of what has been said regarding the pictures, I don't enjoy standing up on a 5 minute journey into the city centre, never mind (what could potentially be) Durham to Newcastle!