(24 Oct 2013, 6:50 pm)aureolin wrote I don't know about Arriva and Stagecoach's versions, as I've never used one, but the GNE Gold Standard only seems to apply when it suits. It has huge potential if proper time and resource was put into it. I don't disagree any of the points, with exception of the below.

Here is the Stagecoach Gold 'Customer Charter'

http://www.stagecoachgold.com/uploads/cu...harter.pdf

The main difference between the Stagecoach and Arriva versions (and, I presume, First's new 'Platinum' brand) are high-specification vehicles (Leather Seats, WiFi, Plug Sockets on 'Sapphire') plus a pledge whereas Go North East's 'Gold Standard' is just the pledge. They'd be a marketable difference if Stagecoach brought Gold to the North East against a GNE 'Gold Standard' route.