(25 Jan 2020, 1:53 pm)Andreos1 wrote 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.
The reason they perceive them to be old and dirt is because they are! Using the X12 was an awful experience, one which I don't care to repeat. Even Arriva's newer buses aren't in the best condition, and seem like they get a clean once a year, if they're lucky!
I remember when I went to the NEBus launch in Newcastle, I spoke to one of the people from Arriva and they were shocked at the state of the E400MMC that they sent down. It was all dented and scratched, the vinyl on the side was peeling and the sealant between panels was falling out and missing in places. And that's a 17 plate and in their words "the best one they had"!
I don't find the Streetlites necessarily uncomfortable, just a bit firm. The rattling is a definite issue, one which they've been saying they're trying to resolve for years now!