(01 Jan 2015, 3:10 pm)mb134 wrote Just as a suggestion, could it be that the X21/22 require the additional capacity these smaller seats give at peak times? Virtually every bus I see leaving Newcastle/ going into Newcastle at peak times are packed?

You'd argue it shouldn't be 'Sapphire' if that's the case. A brand is a standard, and you'd expect the Sapphire standard in every branded vehicle you enter. If they required the extra seats, they could have used the 'MAX' standard they've created for the North East & Yorkshire, whilst still providing the eleather seats and WiFi. No next stop screens mind.