(02 Jan 2015, 11:25 am)Dan wrote I'm don't know the reason, but it's a normal working day for office-based Go North East employees, so I'm unsure why it isn't for the buses...

In my area there are quite a few local businesses - hair dressers, chip shops, nail bars etc. I was going to get my hair cut today ahead of the new school term, but I discovered about 10 minutes ago that none of these local businesses are open today. Can only assume that it'll be the case in other areas too, and hence a lower demand for the early morning journeys which are provided on Monday - Friday and not Saturdays..?

Quite surprised that independents aren't open in Sunderland. Everywhere down Teesside (so far) seems open for business.