(02 Feb 2015, 7:49 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I think the MAX branding will seriously improve the X2 for some reason.
I reckon passengers being able to identify the route of Durham to Newcastle (pretty important link to be honest) under the MAX brand, and not just the generic Arriva fleet livery, will be a huge boost to it. Also, all the features of MAX, must also add a bit of novelty to the service with commuters; and also possibly teens - they'll want a bus with Wi-Fi, although the 21 does already provide this.
I'm looking forward to seeing it when the brand is launched officially, and not just a couple of Pulsars running around in the base livery.
I agree with your point, Jimmi. I would like to go to the MAX launch, but I wouldn't travel to Stockton for it. Durham Cathedral (the lighting provided there would be ideal) would be a great location, I couldn't think of one to surpass this.
I would think Chester-le-Street Market would be another good location - but with Arriva having such a small presence here I doubt that would be worth it...
Durham Cathedral would be good especially for publicity shots as if people see the photo of the bus and see the Cathedral in the background they will see a local resemblance so some don't think a library shot has been used from a different part of the country. Take the X93 launch the other week where the publicity shots had Whitby Abbey in the background people will love to see a local sight. I'm unsure publicity photos on Stockton High Street would hardly create "MAXimum Impact"
Not sure how much space there would be for a bus and Titan the Robot to be present at Chester Market. I think somewhere in Durham City would be best as if people who use other services that terminate in Durham they could be made aware of the launch and the X2.