(17 Mar 2015, 9:23 pm)Dan wrote Assuming that the cushions were the same size as Go North East's when Arriva's examples first arrived, then I'd guess so. The general condition of the e-leather should remain in better condition compared to the normal fabric moquette, though. When people put their feet on the seats, the moquette has to be replaced after a while (and the bus operator hence incurs an additional cost).
You're not the only one who prefers normal fabric seating - I personally find it much better myself. In my opinion, it feels much nicer. The only upside is that the buses should look a lot more presentable now.
I may as well hop on the wagon and say that I too prefer the standard fabric seating found on most Go North East buses.
Not a fan of the leather seating used on Arriva's MAX and Sapphire routes. However, I may find the seating on the Streetlites that are being delivered to be a bit nicer.