(31 Jan 2021, 6:35 pm)mb134 wrote The amount of bus pictures I'm seeing on a number of accounts from blatantly different and distant locations is unreal. I have absolutely no sympathy for any of them if they get caught, indeed I hope they do - might make normal punters more comfortable that the handrails haven't all been licked down.

Since new year, the average number of passengers travelling into Newcastle from 9am onwards on any service I've driven has been in the region of half a dozen give or take. At least half are pensioners who have got on the bus at either Blyth or Cramlington. What essential shops are curently open in Newcastle that are not in Blyth and Cramlington? None. Then add to them the scratters and bus spotters with disability passes who are never off the buses all day regardless and Arriva should realise that apart from the odd extra bus for the workers in the morning there is no requirement for anything other than a standard Sunday service all week at present.