Completely off topic but 2804 has been treated to the same repaint as 2803. Looks Stupid if you ask me.
As for the X12 I'm only going off the ones I've been on there is usually 3-4 seats spare towards Durham and a few towards Middlesbrough. You could have a seat for each limb between Durham and Newcastle.
RE: Arriva North East: Latest News & Discussion - June 2015