(24 Aug 2017, 3:12 pm)Dan wrote A selection of photos of the interior and exterior are available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrah...res/7op7K4


The interior specification is largely the same as the StreetDecks on the Castles Express, but it has been marginally improved. Following positive feedback received from passengers on services allocated the refurbished Mercedes Citaros regarding the comfort of these seats, the seats on the new X9/X10 buses use 'proper leather' as opposed to e-leather. Each headrest has a red Go North East logo embroidered into it.

Like the Castles Express, there are four tables on the upper-deck, though this time each table has a game. Each one is different: Snakes and Ladders, Where's Wally, Solitaire, and a race track. Primarily designed for commuters or students using laptops, there are also three-pin sockets at each table seat. To answer S813 FVK's next question: the power socket feature symbol won't be shown on the bus, given that the three-pin sockets are only at the tables.

The specification for the stairwell has been revised - the glass and logo are now lit up with blue LEDs providing more lighting on the stairwell, and the CCTV TFT monitor has been moved to the stairwell, and is planned be frozen on one or two cameras, showing if there are any seats available upstairs, before passengers try and go up.

There is now a larger litter bin downstairs adjacent to the stairwell, and there are a few smaller bins upstairs. These were used by some passengers on routes which the demonstrator vehicles (which featured these bins in the upper saloon) were used on, so hopefully this continues on these new buses.


Something else worth mentioning is that Go North East have bought alloy wheels for these buses, rather than the standard ones. Look much better, in my opinion, and add an element of class and style.