(20 Feb 2014, 10:14 pm)andreos1 wrote Although similar to Citylink in the context the service links distant towns/cities - the Citylink offer is franchise based, so private operators take the risk as far as purchases go.
It is a totally different market too - people need to use a long distance mode of transport up in Scotland to get to the major towns and cities.
The general population of Cambeltown or Oban need links to the outside world and justify the need for transport.
Any investment, is backed by regular custom.
In the North East, I would say we are a fairly self reliant region.
In Scotland and say the south of England, they think nothing of an hour or two on the train or coach to pop into Edinburgh, Glasgow or London for the day and the loads on public transport justify frequent services, using modern kit.
As much as I would love to see coaches trundling up the A19, I don't think the loads (or regional demographics) would justify the initial outlay or financing - despite the Geminis being unsuitable.
However, if anyone can provide info for the lifespan (and vehicle reliability) for the x62 Hull - Leeds service, I would love to know how it compares to the x9/10.
Well, in the last 3 or 4 years, the X62 has gone from coaches to use ex-Road Car B7TLs which proved unreliable so anything turned up on the work, and since Saturday, the service has increased to 7 return trips Monday-Saturday and 2 on Sundays using 3 54-reg Plaxton Profile-bodied Volvo B7Rs branded for the service.
As for Scottish Citylink, the majority of the network today is operated by either Stagecoach as part of the Megabus/Citylink joint venture, or Parks of Hamilton who operate both Citylink livered coaches as well as coaches in a similar yellow/blue livery but with their own fleetnames.