(12 Jul 2018, 8:20 pm)Andreos1 wrote Just from the outset, I want to make this about contracted services for events, rather than tendered services for a LA or PTE.

Over the last 10 (is it less?) years we have seen the Tall Ships visit the region twice.
On those two occasions, the successful operator has had to source, loan or acquire vehicles from elsewhere so that contract obligations are fulfilled.
ANE got stock from the Midlands for the Hartlepool event and obviously we are seeing a number of vehicles arrive in to the region from elsewhere this time round.

Kyrnen is one event that sees buses used, cricket at Chester, DFDS/Port of Tyne, Mouth of the Tyne, Sunderland Airshow and the GNR. There will be others too.
Almost without exception (I can think of two - Close House and Kynren), each of these contracts see older vehicles allocated. Often past their prime internally and externally.

These events attract thousands and often there's a significant proportion from outside the region or even the UK.

Forgetting any operational justifications that may be used (rightly or wrongly), what on earth do these passengers think of these vehicles, the operators or the region?
These major events are contracting to huge organisations, but they're turning out the sort of tat some independents wouldn't operate.

Then, you see the likes of 5216 being put out on the 33T...

Just to provide some context or help with reasoning, I will use two examples from elsewhere.
In Belfast, we climbed off the ferry and boarded a knackered Translink Alx 400. Windows were shot (full of water) and it rattled more than a Deptford Solar.
On the way back, we were picked up by a Renown that had obviously come off a Scholars run. 

In Ijmuiden, you get off the ferry and a fleet of clean, modern coaches whisk you off to the centre of Amsterdam. 

My impressions and perception of the two contracted services are miles apart.

Any thoughts?