(12 Jan 2015, 5:29 pm)tyresmoke wrote It certainly seems like it doesn't it. The North East & Yorkshire operating companies are definitely leading the way at the moment with service delivery & impelmentation of upgrades and everyone else is starting to follow (look how many regions are now using MAX for example!).
Sapphire is a countrywide project by DB to hopefully generate growth on those routes with a big focus on them. Certainly seems to be paying off so far, and it is due to be expanded once again this year.
I think you will likely see this one go MAX at some point - question of course is what will Stagecoach do as it is jointly operated?
Judging by passenger numbers, I don't think the 85 justifies being operated at all, never mind being upgraded to MAX!