Hey Tony anything......

[RW]

Two tone maroon as per press release or two tone red based on current red?  Lots asking whether in time new livery will be used on existing vehicles. If not we will have the red and white running around for years until those vehicles currently in the fleet are replaced. Think we've had enough of multi liveries on the road!

[trident4370]

looks Lothian inspired but I really like it, never been a huge fan of the Red and White as it is now but that looks stylish, I just hope now we have a decent livery on the cards that it gets to stay around longer than recent liveries, ie toothpaste and the red and white. I think I actually prefer the red to the Platinum livery!

[Isle of Stroma]

I'll put my hands up. I'm well known for being disparaging of past liveries, every version since the introduction of the 'low floor' version almost 20 years ago has been an insipid parody of a 1970's/80's fag packet. Well, I'm converted. They really DO look both eye catching and attractive.

[Trident 4609]

looks Lothian inspired but I really like it, never been a huge fan of the Red and White as it is now but that looks stylish, I just hope now we have a decent livery on the cards that it gets to stay around longer than recent liveries, ie toothpaste and the red and white. I think I actually prefer the red to the Platinum livery!

I thought that. Reminds me of Lothians fleet

[Stevo]

Do they really need to put 'National Express' as a fleetname? If managers are, as reported earlier, dissatisfied with the livery introduced by Richard Bowker during his short time at NX perhaps they should also be dissatisfied with the corporate image he introduced. West Midlands is a local fleet and should have a local fleetname. I suggest 'West Midlands'! Go Ahead is quite happy to put just a small note about group ownership on the vehicles - local or route identity is the important thing. I'm not sure about what name would be best for Coventry or Dundee.

[CL]

One thing I've just noticed is the 'fake' fleet number. Or is it? Would this be an indication that the E400 MMCs will begin with the lower 1000s? Obviously, it could go to the 5000s, but it could be a clue, seeing as the current E400s have dominated the 4700-4900s...

Of course I realise that if it would ever begin in the lower 1000's, it would ruin NXs size sequence fleet. (i.e. 700s - E200 SWB; 800s - E200 LWB; etc...)

[Bryan]

The artist impressions of the vehicles do look stylish, with starburst headlights, dark windows, colour coordinated wing mirrors and clever lighting.

I do think however that with normal windows, yellow mirrors, and a dull day, the liveries will far from impressive, although I admit having more style than the present day livery.

One further comment, I agree with Stevo, why does the company insist on displaying 'National Express' so prominently? I know arguments are raised that shareholders like to know what they partially own, but I doubt that many live in the area or even use a bus, being far more interested in the share value and/or dividend paid. Also, I suspect a good proportion of the shares are owned by pension companies, who couldn't care one iota if the 'National Express' name is displayed or not.

[Tony]

The artist impressions of the vehicles do look stylish, with starburst headlights, dark windows, colour coordinated wing mirrors and clever lighting.

I do think however that with normal windows, yellow mirrors, and a dull day, the liveries will far from impressive, although I admit having more style than the present day livery.

One further comment, I agree with Stevo, why does the company insist on displaying 'National Express' so prominently? I know arguments are raised that shareholders like to know what they partially own, but I doubt that many live in the area or even use a bus, being far more interested in the share value and/or dividend paid. Also, I suspect a good proportion of the shares are owned by pension companies, who couldn't care one iota if the 'National Express' name is displayed or not.

hmm, I think that statement is not correct, don't forget the origin of the company is in an ESOP and there are thousands of us shareholders living, and using buses in the West Midlands

[arrifirststage]

I have been very scathing in the past about NXWM liveries but this is a slight improvement.......still far too dark and dull however.
As for the platinum livery.......absolutely uninspiring,depressing and seems calculated to repel rather than attract new passengers (sorry....customers).
However,I must concede that you can never please everybody and at least they are trying to improve.....but ugh ...that platinum livery.

[CL]

I have been very scathing in the past about NXWM liveries but this is a slight improvement.......still far too dark and dull however.
As for the platinum livery.......absolutely uninspiring,depressing and seems calculated to repel rather than attract new passengers (sorry....customers).
However,I must concede that you can never please everybody and at least they are trying to improve.....but ugh ...that platinum livery.

I like the Platinum livery. I think it adds some 'twilight-esque', so to speak, to the overall look... As long as the interior is well lit, I don't think I'd mind.

[trident4370]

That actually raises another question... will we finally be getting an improved interior with the new livery? Dull grey everywhere isn't really very welcoming and the moquette just looks dull once its worn down a bit, see our omnilinks for proof. IF NX are planning to change it, now would be the time!

[Liverpool Street]

That actually raises another question... will we finally be getting an improved interior with the new livery? Dull grey everywhere isn't really very welcoming and the moquette just looks dull once its worn down a bit, see our omnilinks for proof. IF NX are planning to change it, now would be the time!

They should've stuck with blue interior. That was a welcome change from MCW floral/beige and Scania floral/black when the Presidents resided at BC.. Or was it Tridents/ALX400's...

[Bob]

The metrobus interiors were ten times nicer than todays. All that plastic etc. A castle moquette metro was far more welcoming. Even the leather seat enviros whilst comfortable enough are clinical looking! And look how long the original interiors lasted on some of the mk1s.  Fleetline interiors used to look nice after the refurb, I liked the formica always reminded me of denim!

[Liberator9]

I am sorry, but Metrobus interiors look very dated - much prefer a grey, clean Enviro 400 interior - it does look smart. The Scanias and Wrights as well - the NX moquette as Trident 4370 says wears down into a faded grey quickly - the AG Scanias need retrimming now - exteriors are fine, but they need a full retrim.

[Ronnoc]

The Enviros at YW do need a full refurb, they have been in that state for ages.