(13 Feb 2022, 9:39 pm)MurdnunoC wrote For the first question, it would have been around 1988/89 from memory.

For the last question, route branding was largely associated with the Peter Huntley era, however there were some attempts at route branding prior to that. Two that immediately spring to mind were 58/59 (Newcastle - Wardley/Heworth) and the B & C branded coaches which operated between Newcastle and Blackhall Mill/Chopwell. The latter occurred around 1992/93 - again from memory.

You've got me thinking now.  I can remember the 58/59 (there's a preserved Metrobus knocking around with that branding if it hasn't been scrapped), simple and effective I thought.  The B&C services were introduced to combat competition iirc.  Out of interest, can anyone remember which depot they operated from?

Other examples that spring to mind before route branding Huntley style, were the Western Gateshead branding on the Nationals for the 607/8/9/12 services; the Route 308 branding on the Leyland Olympians; the 53/54 branding on the Handybus Darts; the 25/6/7/8 Branding on the Lances and the 'The Way Ahead' branding on the Lances for the 124, though I'm sure there were many more.