(17 Dec 2016, 10:04 pm)BusLoverMum wrote I think the North east economy is a big factor, here. Bus fares are expensive, anyhow and most of the people taking the bus can't afford those fares on a whim, so will limit their trips. During the week, a good 80% of passengers on my local route enjoy some sort of concessionary fare, whether free OAP/Disabled fares or student fares. I'm sure that, apart from some of the core shopping routes (eg X21), that changes very little across the region.
One thing really stuck with me today, though. 20 years ago, you couldn't pay me to go anywhere near Newcastle city centre on a Saturday in December. Well we did, today, and it wasn't significantly busier than a Saturday at the beginning of November. In the 90s, even on a weekday, you've be carried around by your shoulders by the crowds. At 2:20, this afternoon, Eldon Square and Northumberland street weren't even approaching that busy. I had a moment where we got into a bit of a snake and I thought someone might be fiddling with my backpack, but I turned quickly and there was actually no one behind me!
We caught a 21 to CLS just after 2:30 and sat downstairs, which was barely more than half full.
The fact shops are open until 20:00 every weekday has made a huge difference. Sunday is a very busy shopping day, these days.