(26 Jul 2014, 7:53 am)tyresmoke wrote I think the perception of Arriva NE is that it always takes time to catch up to everyone else. The investment going in this year will hopefully start to change that... Once all of the Max schemes are up and running and the Sapphire routes get launched the fleet will be unrecognisable from the present fleet!

I agree with this.

One of the reasons I did have a soft spot for Arriva when first starting out as an enthusiast was the fact that their fleet seemed so old compared to other operators' fleets; although both of the other main operators had vehicles just as elderly, I think it was mainly down to the fact that they'd been repainted, making them look slightly younger.

Of the three operators in the North East, I'm inclined to suggest that Arriva will see the most new arrivals this year - though of course, as Arriva typically favour light-weight vehicles, this should be expected. Nevertheless, the continued flow of investment should gain Arriva a few brownie points with us enthusiasts, and hopefully tie them over for a good few years before the fleet starts to show its age again.

The introduction of their real time technology applications came as something somewhat unusual, given that new technology does seem to be the forté of Go North East opposed to Arriva North East - but it being released first does but competitors at an advantage, as they'll be aware of any issues which Arriva may have had with it, and be able to improve their technology whilst still in development.