(24 Nov 2021, 11:53 am)Adrian wrote I suppose it all comes down to what the reference of "the creation of a unified brand; having a consistent approach to customer service at every point in the journey;" means, which is listed as the opportunity around branding within the BSIP document.

On one hand you could say it equates to the understanding in a Franchising model, e.g. TfL all red buses with the buses roundall, or Manchester moving towards a TfGM consistent branding with the Tram, but in a partnership, it could be like the West Yorkshire Metro example, with the logo being present at bus stations, train stations and on buses, but buses and trains still running under their own corporate branding. Either way, I hope it means a lot more than just a lucrative contract for a certain designer.

On the Xlines example though, I'd say that's something that could be expanded on and rolled out to similar services by other operators in terms of consistency.

Yeah totally agreed personally I'd love to see a unified branding but can't see it working especially under what's being proposed there.

Just looking at Blyth you'll end up with something like:

1/2 - Connect
X7/X8 - Interurban I assume
X9 - Unknown, Connect?
X10/X11 - Green Route
308/309 - Green Route

Personally that's more confusing that what's there already imo. Consett is the same:

X5/X15 - Unknown, Connect?
X45/X46/47 - Green Route
X70/X71 - Interurban
688 - Rural?
16/16A - Interurban / Connect?
8/78 - Interurban / Connect?