(24 Jan 2023, 9:17 am)Economic505 wrote I used Flex quite often 2020-2021. Useful, but only a sticking plaster,  hiding the massive fault lines caused by having a deregulated bus service.

Agree. 
I enjoy using it, feel it provides a useful service - but as you say, is only there because the private operators don't do what they need to do. 
I've actually noticed more using it over the last few months, than in the past and the journeys I've had, have actually been quite convoluted due to those increased numbers.

Coatham are withdrawing the Guisborough - Saltburn portion of the 18 (except its timetable didn't suit the majority).
The alternative is Teesflex. If that goes...

Around Autumn time, there was a Teesflex survey and one of the questions related to operational hours. 
It goes without saying, that increasing the hours and days it works, could lead to increased usage. 

Instead, it looks like total withdrawal.