(19 Feb 2016, 5:14 pm)Jimmi wrote If Arriva were going to spend all that money on 15 brand new Sapphire double deckers for the X21/X22, then surely they would have done that in 2014 when the X21/X22 were launched as Sapphire rather than spend money refurbishing 57 reg Enviro 400's and buying some brand new double deckers only for them to be replaced by yet more double deckers a few years later, with some issues as to where would be a suitable home for the 57 reg Sapphire Enviro 400's.
I think we all need to face facts that the Enviro 400's currently used on the X21/X22 probably aren't going anywhere else anytime soon.
Well if they don't replace them anytime soon, then the X21 / X22 will end up with the same if not, worse issues than what the Pronto is currently facing until it gets a rebrand alongside the new Streetdecks due to go into service before easter.
If Arriva don't sort the X21 / X22 out, then all that will happen is passengers will simply think 'what's the point?' and just end up looking for alternative means to get places thus losing custom. Up to now, the passengers have been patient from the X21 being de-toured in order to help the X22 become a more profitable service than what it used to be and so forth. The least Arriva could do is supply a decent standard of vehicle for a 'premium' service to keep their passengers happy.
Them 57 plates should never have been refurbished in the first place for such a premium service, end off. Arriva have the capacity to offer a top service, it's just a shame that they choose not to invest like other operators and pay attention to detail. I know another big operator is sometimes guilty of the latter sometimes but it's constant with Arriva.