(03 Aug 2022, 9:26 am)omnicity4659 wrote Arriva have been using high backed V3s since Operation Overdrive/Viva North East in 2004, with them becoming even more popular from 2013 onwards - never been a major problem with them until now it seems? Not really sure what going backwards will achieve apart from less comfort on routes that already compete heavily with the car...

But if you look at Derwentside, Tyne Valley and Teesside / East Durham, has the 'extra comforts' worked there to wooo people out of their cars?

- X45/X46: 15 mins > 20 mins > 30 mins (X46 dropped)

- X70 dropped

- X30/X31: 15 mins > 20 mins > 30 mins

- X9/X10: 30 mins > 60 mins with X9 dropped

- X84/X85: X85 dropped, X84 reverted back to 684 with 'normal' buses

Now to be fair with Arriva, their Northumbria division is fairly strong but would they win extra passengers over with 'comforts'? Would be nice to have the comforts if climate allowed but I'm sure passengers will be happy knowing that Arriva are at least investing and keeping things reliable.