Re Branded routes, I think the branding has gone beyond the point of having any positive impact.
There are some routes, which are branded and I often wonder why and the only word I can think of to sum it up is 'gimicky'.
When it comes to the likes of the Blaydon Racers, the vinyls on top of the Red Arrow colouring looks naff. Has it been done just for the sake of it?
Then the Lambton Worm operating the 34/a - why? What connection has the worm got with Urpeth Grange or Bullion Lane? Having the branding on the 71 was pushing it a bit... But at least it went within the same county as where the worm was from.

Whey aye 5-0? Brand loyalty on the only service to go the way it does

Drifter? Where does it drift by?

Lime? Dont get it...

However, the Northern Brand as is stands does nothing for me. If it had a white band or some sort of colouring to break up the red, then maybe