(10 Mar 2016, 7:42 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote https://www.flickr.com/photos/128789124@...otostream/ Looking closely at the picture it doesn't look like the seats are Esteban Civics, it looks like a different seat type.
I could be wrong but can anyone confirm the seat type?
(10 Mar 2016, 7:42 pm)Dan wrote But the outline of the logo is... It's not as if there's not a single thing on that bus which is indigo in colour?
Never understood why some enthusiasts are so hung up on the colour, when there's more to the brand than that.
(10 Mar 2016, 7:30 pm)Adrian wrote Why is indigo a terrible brand though? I take it that this comment is being thrown about, having an in-depth knowledge of service performance, both before and after implementation in East Durham? I don't know how it can be said a brand is terrible otherwise.
You may not like the packaging (or livery!), but the brand is the entire model from top to bottom. Services, fare structure, features and packaging.
(10 Mar 2016, 7:30 pm)Adrian wrote Why is indigo a terrible brand though? I take it that this comment is being thrown about, having an in-depth knowledge of service performance, both before and after implementation in East Durham? I don't know how it can be said a brand is terrible otherwise.Having seen my photo of an Indigo and East Durham, I think it's a huge improvement. Let's hope this is the case for the North Tyne Links.
You may not like the packaging (or livery!), but the brand is the entire model from top to bottom. Services, fare structure, features and packaging.
(10 Mar 2016, 7:46 pm)BusLoverMum wrote I think that people in Peterlee seem to be quite keen on the Indigos, to be honest. It's a cheerful brand and so much nicer than the tired old yellow grot they had before.Agree with this, I felt really undervalued by Arriva before the 7 went Sapphire, for such a major route the allocations were shocking and there has been significant growth on that route over the last two years.
People notice when they seem to have the worst buses around. It makes them feel not valued as customers. I know that was the feeling here when we were poorly served by what seemed to be whatever was left at the back of the depot which could make it up the hill into the village, whether it was a (not low floor) decker or a solo. The Pulsars were an improvement, but people didn't really notice the change (unless they had buggies!). When locals did take notice was when we got the shiny new streetlites. People actually commented on that positively.
(10 Mar 2016, 7:49 pm)Davie wrote Having seen my photo of an Indigo and East Durham, I think it's a huge improvement. Let's hope this is the case for the North Tyne Links.
(10 Mar 2016, 7:51 pm)Jimmi wrote Agree with this, I felt really undervalued by Arriva before the 7 went Sapphire, for such a major route the allocations were shocking and there has been significant growth on that route over the last two years.
(10 Mar 2016, 8:06 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Well, in the hope of sampling the new and improved next stop announcements to help with a little article for Guide Dogs, I ventured out today across several routes, armed with a Blue & Purple zone M-ticket on my phone.
Firstly I jumped on a Cobalt Clipper into Newcastle Haymarket so I could change onto an X1 from Eldon Square out to Washington Galleries. However, the next stop announcements weren't working and the screens were stuck on a Red Arrows logo, (forgot to get vehicle number, sorry). Thinking I was wasting time on this none-talking bus, I jumped off at Gateshead Interchange and boarded an awaiting Quaylink to Heworth.
For a while this vehicle's screen was stuck on 'Next Stop: Sage', but eventually woke up and started changing - no audio though. (This was probably a blessing as I'm really not a fan of Alan Robson's bus announcements, despite sometimes listening to Night Owls on the way back from the gym).
Anyway, once at Heworth I switched to a Connections4 citaro (5368) - again screens working but no audio! At this point I was a little annoyed that 3 of the 4 talking buses I'd been out on, wouldn't talk to me. (Lucky there was no Guide Dog users/blind/visually impaired people on these services, eh?).
Thinking I'd wasted part of my day off, I alighted at Concorde Bus Station, and jumped on another Connections4 heading the opposite direction.
Alas, this bus spoke! As expected Emma Hignett's clear and understandable tones gave a much more professional sound to what we've previously heard on certain GNE services. Although a smidge repetitive flying down the Felling Bypass due to having 'Next Stop....' and 'This is....' announcements, I completely approve of Go North East's new choice of voice artist.
Periodically hearing 'This is a Connections4 service to....' is a great addition too, as it confirms you're on the right number bus, heading in the right direction - just what blind/visually impaired/unfamiliar passengers want.
In comparison, the Quaylink I got back from Heworth to Gateshead Interchange certainly sounded a little unprofessional and cringe-worthy after listening to the London style Connections4 voice.
Back at Gateshead Town I changed onto a Red Arrows X1 for Eldon Square, which also had Emma's annoucenments working - and they obviously sounded great too.
Well done Go North East.![]()
Once I collect some extra footage in the not too distant future, and get a blog written, I'll be sure to post a link.
(10 Mar 2016, 11:32 pm)Panasonic44 wrote I do like like this as it more clear and pleasant to understand. I think GNE have choosen better than before. After trial will all older buses get them or not?
(11 Mar 2016, 12:00 am)GMitchelhill wrote Having travelled on buses in London using the iBus next stop announcements in London, I welcome GNE to using this new version. Honestly the original versions of next stop using radio presenters was annoying and grated on you. Mind if they had gotten Mike Neville or Paddy McDee to do them, then it probably wouldn't have been so bad.
(10 Mar 2016, 11:43 pm)BusLoverMum wrote I think Dan mentioned a lot of services getting Emma's voice. Some of the Red Arrows already do and the Indigos are due to get her announcements, when they're done.
I expect that other, older services, will get the make over when it's their turn for one.
(11 Mar 2016, 12:03 am)Ambassador wrote Paddy's velvet voice would certainly be an improvement on the two halfwits (Karen and Steve)
I'd love GNE to do a metro style celebrity announcer competition, it was fantastic when metro did it