(21 Feb 2014, 12:09 pm)northtynelinks2 wrote Although its a turn for the better, the service is losing 4 seats per journey (44 seats on the Renowns and 40 on the Citaros). However I don't think this will make any difference as I doubt people would want to use a service just because its got 10 reg Citaros. Although looking at the buses age people wont be as scared about it breaking down half way down the A19.
I don't think anyone uses a service based on vehicle type - no ones going to use X7 because it has Mercs just the same as no ones going to use angel because it hybrids. However reliability is something which is major issue with X7 the Renowns couldn't cope with the route, simple as. Journeys regularly broke down or wouldn't turn up, people didn't use the service because of reliability, if you're at Sunderland and X7 was/is so unreliable you'd just opt for the 23/24 despite taking 10 mins longer at least you'd get there, and the same at other locations Peterlee-Wingate the 21 is timed just behind it iirc and people will just opt for this service instead & at Seaham it's easier to get a 60 despite been longer.