(25 Jan 2020, 1:27 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Contrary to what other people on here like to say, having brands (although not too many!) does indeed help brand recognition.
Since they launched X-Lines on the X21, my mother (who very much despises bus travel) keeps pointing it out saying how nice it looks, or when we're in Gateshead and an Angel goes past, she knows that's the one that goes to Durham (although not that often soon!)
But when she sees any Arriva bus, all she pictures is the horrible experience she had on the X46 (the 'new' 15 year old buses).
The folks don't like the 'Express bus' (the X12).
They perceive the buses on them to be old and dirty.
They're bright, intelligent people - but have no brand loyalty and don't choose a particular service (on a shared corridor) for its brand name alone.
As they see it, the 'express bus' is blue. Other options aren't.
When the Streetlites came to the 78, she could tell it was a new bus. But couldn't believe how rattly and uncomfortable it was.