(03 Sep 2022, 8:56 pm)Adrian wrote Tried out the new E12s today. Really good quality bus and I'd say a massive improvement on any other modern bus (maybe minus the GNE Spec E400MMC) I've travelled on recently. The improvement on seating from the E10s is a good move. The huge next stop screens look great too.

There's really nothing negative, but from a talking point, I noticed there is that there's a couple of bell-press buttons placed in a precarious position. On the back of the seats in front of the first step up, and I can see quite a few accidental knee-presses of those, which will sharp wind drivers up!

The only other thing was the USB charging points, and that we're still lacking USB-C charging. Given that the EU (I know, we're not in it!, but we'll get this by default) are moving towards USB-C being standard by 2024, it's surprising that the manufacturer hasn't had the foresight to offer them in these buses.

Both the Wallsend section and Gosforth section I travelled on seemed to be well-used into Newcastle. The Gosforth to Newcastle journey being full, despite two Arrivas and a Stagecoach being in front of it and not a notable football fan in sight.