(01 Aug 2022, 1:30 pm)F114TML wrote I'm on holiday in the lakes right now. Have to say, I'm quite impressed by Stagecoach's Lakes Connection branding - because they're actually putting a bit of effort into it.

Been to Bowness and saw this (sold already)

and in one of the shops, they had a stack of timetables (and when I say a stack, I mean a big crate about 4 feet high). The buses have a nice livery (and it is actually a livery, not just beachball but in a different colour, even though it is based on beachball. I notice they've updated the logo on it so i assume they're continuing with it - at least for now). Also, looked through the timetable leaflet I picked up - don't see any cheesy slogans (although it lists tickets, but directs you to a QR code for the prices - hmm), and the "Lakes Connection" name makes sense.

They say first impressions count - the bus service through the village I was expecting to be a Solo; cue me quite surprised when a branded E400 came through, making me look the route up myself. Want to do it myself (if I get the chance to is another question). I've not had that feeling from GNE (although is that because I'm from the area and know the network anyway?).

Update on this, I spent a day out riding the buses (and a boat and steam train). Very nice views, and got more chance to study the branding.

I said no "cheesy slogans", well...

... it's borderline. At least it makes sense unlike GNE's purple emperor flitting.

Right, onto more things I like and I think GNE should do.

Network maps at bus stops - you can't move for the fecking things (sorry these aren't the best pictures - not sure what's happened to the 2nd one tbh). Also note that they advertise the website and contactless payments at the stop.


The stop near to where I'm staying has a small fares advert in it, too

Also, all the buses carry the same livery; certain routes are sub-branded (the X4/X5 and 555 are what I've seen; what I find odd is the X4/X5 buses feature the route numbers, the 555 buses don't, though), but they're just additions of saying where the routes go, rather than the generic "See the best of the lakes by bus" tagline.

What I did notice (hard not to tbh) on the sub-branded buses (400MMCs on the 555, E300s on the X4/X5) was the coach-style seats.

I found there to be ample legroom (something that I struggle to find on most buses), and I did wonder why, for Xlines, GNE didn't go for these kinds of seats, over what is fitted in more conventional buses - it'd certainly set the Xlines routes out in terms of interior spec from the other routes, where it seems the only real difference is the cream headrest. I spent 2 hours in one of these seats and it was largely fine (would've been better if people didn't keep sitting next to me though). In case you're wondering, the USB port is under the seat in front.

What I'm trying to say is, Lakes Connection is good route branding (not perfect though) because they actually put effort into it. It's more than just some paint slapped on the vehicle. I've just gone on the twitter page and... would you look at that! Who thought you could advertise specific routes?!
https://twitter.com/StagecoachCNL/status...1154241540
https://twitter.com/StagecoachCNL/status...9038954496
https://twitter.com/StagecoachCNL/status...2717768709
They also seem to use the hashtag #LakesConnection on service updates affecting branded routes. Probably wouldn't work for GNE as they have so many, but maybe they could make one out of #SunderlandDistrict, #Xlines, #EastGateshead ?