I like Northern156s idea I think that idea would work best with sapphire.
The thing is isn't the 85/685 tendered by Northumberland county council? im sure I heard that somewhere.
If they are then all this upgrading to sapphire and express services would all have to be run commercially and I don't think Arriva would do that.
the best types of buses for this route would be
Maybe single deckers would be Volvo B8RLE MCV or wright body Scania irazar i3
and double deckers Scania Enviro 400MMC
as this route is very rural and demanding these would be the best but you know Arriva, probably just buy some streetlites that will be torn to pieces in 2 years!!
RE: Arriva North East: Service Suggestions