(01 May 2016, 3:10 pm)Jackamcardle wrote Hate to say it, but I completely agree with you. The rally was not as good as last year, for a few reasons:

- not as many/frequent shuttle services.
- none to Tanfield Railway, don't know why, the 'organiser' said the trains went running, but I assure him they 150% were.
- not as many stalls selling photographs or other miscellaneous things related to buses.
- the 'organiser' I spoke to had no idea about anything I was asking and said he was just here to get people on and off (I'm sure there are much more friendly bus enthusiasts that would've filled that role much better)
- many buses that I was excited to see and ride on just sat in the car park all day and weren't touched.
- last year there was better weather, I know this can't be helped but it really makes a difference to the whole day.

On the other hand, I did think that Go North East made a much better effort with the amount of buses this year, and all of the drivers were very friendly (particularly Mark and the driver that me and Marcus had on the Olympian, think it was Ben or Jack) and let you look around the buses and changed the destination displays.

Like last year, Arriva failed to disappoint me. The driver from Stockton, Jason, was really patient with letting everyone in the buses and even let them switch it on and give it a cheeky rev! I was glad they brought along an Omnicity as I've never came face to face with one of Arriva's omni's. Their buses also seemed to be in an much better quality that some of Go North East's. Don't get me wrong (because I like Go North East and their buses) but Arriva Sapphire and Max seemed to have really comfy leather seats, compared to the Streetlites and Streetdeck of Go North East. Wifi has always worked on Arriva Sapphire too, which I don't know why bus wifi frequently doesn't work on go north east at all. However I must say that I haven't been on it as much as Go North East's Streetlites. I don't mean quality in terms of dirtiness or anything like that, just the comfort of the ride.

Overall it was an average rally, I will be back next year, probably wondering which red arrows B9 Go North East will be bringing for the 96th year in a row.

I never have any problems with Go North Easts WiFi (well the coaster as it's the only route I use that often which has WiFi), but I agree for some reason the MAX/Sapphire seats are a lot more comfortable than the GNE ones. Yeah Arriva are always helpful (probably because most of the drivers are enthusiasts). Shame Stagecoach didn't bother (again!)

I won't be back next year I don't think as it was very average as you say. I thought it was just me.

Also did anyone else think it was quiet today? Might have been the weather but normally a lot more people there.