(10 Nov 2013, 5:30 pm)Dan wrote Speaking of marketing...


Perhaps getting a little off-topic but all linked in, I guess...

I wonder if the 685 has ever had such marketing treatment?

Probably not, but like most other long standing services, everyone knows the 685. The X84/X85 is a brand new project, which will be interesting to see how it works out.

I strongly suspect that in 12 months time, this additional service will over compensate demand and three bus operators will be running at a loss as not enough people overall within the coridoor to justify operation of the X84/X85 and Stagecoach/Arriva 685.

Competition, in this case is very likely to have a negative effect. I suspect it is a case of who will fold first and given the past, unless the X84/X85 starts to pick up more than concs, probably that! Most journeys carry 'freebies'.