(12 Nov 2019, 10:06 pm)Dan wrote So they're damned if they do, and damned if they don't.

This kind of thing isn't new at all...

5245 was refurbished a few years ago with a more neutral grey colourscheme when Go North East were first considering moving away from the traditional blue, so this one is different to all of the other buses on the 5/50.

The Quaylink is operated by short wheelbase and long wheelbase Optare Versas, which have different seating layouts (and the latter are obviously in better condition being three years younger).

There will be many other examples and if nothing else it shows the company are trying things before doing them to every bus in the fleet.

There are big changes to come, plans and preparation for which are underway now. I have no doubt there will be a divide of opinions, as there clearly seems to be for a marginally different seat covering being used on the same service on the X21...

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Not really, it's not the seat covering that bothers me, it's the different interior spec; USB, 240v, glass staircase etc. even if all the StreetDecks are 'high spec'

That, together with all the other 'issues' with the X21 just makes it feel like GNE don't care about it anymore

• The route through Woodhouse that the StreetDecks are far too large for, it is physically impossible to drive around without mounting the kerb with the way people park, drivers have even knocked down fences trying to go round the corners!
• The lack of NSA since May
• The issues with the app (which admittedly have been resolved now)

Anyway, in separate news, I had a ride on an E400 today, and as much as it pains me to say, I didn't hate it. I'm just finishing writing my 'review' of it and I shall post it shortly.