(26 Jul 2019, 8:16 pm)S830OFT wrote </p><p>
</p><p>If that was the case, why did Arriva launch Brand New Buses onto the Sapphire X21/X22, when there is very little competition...</p><p><br></p><p>The likes of the 22/23/24 services are similar to the 56/57/57A, although only the first set of services have been upgraded to a premium standard.</p><p><br></p><p>Let's not forget that the 57A is the key direct service linking Hartlepool with Durham, yet has no features available compared to service 24, which takes longer to reach Durham.</p><p><br></p><p>I think with service investment it is based on a pick & choose basis, as soms services that are in their 'premium brands' don't warrant them.</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>Competition. 22/23/24 all have stiff competition from gne on significant stretches of their routes. On short hops and, at least until recently, for season tickets, they compete in price hut they also need to compete in comfort and features.</p><p><br></p><p>56/57/57a don't really have any competition, save the SB 58, which is hardly a luxury service, and seem to carry a high proportion of bus pass users. </p>