I wonder just how many buses would be running if our government hadn't stepped in? I've just had to dash up and back to Durham from M'hro, collect some important documents and whilst we're grateful to Arriva and its staff there wasn't more than a good car full on three services. A Stockon based VDL took me north with 4 passengers. I was the only one in Darlington operated 1610 and 4804 (?) on the journey back !! Obviously all operators are to be commended for what they are doing but the question remains ? Would they if there wasn't the funding ?