I was interested today to see the differences in Sapphire spec in North Wales to the North East.

Today I was on Arriva North Wales 4637 which was delivered (and presumably built) around the same time as the E400s for Durham & Darlington last year.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/111243429@...053446461/

This photo shows to superior 1 + 2 seating which is another level of comfort, surpassing National Express coaches. What can just be made out on the far left of the single seat is a solid leather arm rest made possible by the seat not being mounted right up against the wall of the saloon. This touch adds so much! These are marvellous, however I still found the Stagecoach Gold E300 marginally more comfortable.