(12 Nov 2013, 10:02 pm)Dan wrote When I first heard about the Drifter having a very similar livery design to the Coaster, I was dead against the idea of it.
When I saw how well it had actually turned out on the Drifter, it really did change my opinion completely. As the vehicles are different, the livery does differ somewhat too. It means that one livery can be thought about in depth (i.e. Coaster) and it can be used across multiple services. It saves Go North East money, and it also doesn't really affect the customer - as CatsFast101 says, it's unlikely that John and Mary will see a Drifter and a Coaster in the same day, so there's no great harm in doing it.
Of course the Citylink/Tynedalexpress was another matter and that has been discussed on the forum previously, but I wouldn't mind seeing this done to more brands across the network if it means that the standard will improve.
Well I'm just trying to weigh up the pros and cons really. I don't think it's a great idea, but I don't see it as something bad either. I was initially think um not to keen on that but after thinking about it I think if could be a good thing especially as we both say if it improves the branding across the network. Drifter & Coaster (and possibly Whey Aye 5-0) all run by the coast. A similarly livery works well (as demonstrated by coaster/Drifter). Things like East Durham & Venture could follow a similar livery with both serving local communities with lifeline bus services in many instances.
Obviously I think the way GNE do branding is very unique every branded service if (bar a few) a completely different design unlike most other operators who use a revised colour, design for a special service branding. But as I've said above if branding improves and this could also allow other services to be branded, why not?