Has branding had its day?
Have BRANDED ROUTES HAVE HAD THEIR DAY? - IF "NORTHERN" is to be a credible brand then it must trade on strong identity as "Northern" and create brand values around "Northern" ! - This means ditching route branding with the exception of very few "exceptional" routes e.g. express services. Previously these would use limited stop services with buses/coaches identified by a green/cream livery versus a maroon/cream livery for standard routes. Inevitably a regulated scheme will super-impose the current operator system from Arriva , Northern & Stagecoach. We should in fact welcome a Nexus/LA7 integrated transport policy for improved services in terms of both frequency and better pricing throughout our region from Tees to Northumbria .... There will still be perfect ( But New!) branding opportunities!!