(13 Jan 2015, 4:22 pm)Robert wrote I could understand it if Stanley Travel or Hunters needed to do this with those not earning anything near as much as a big operator such as Go North East, Arriva or Stagecoach. However, as Go North East have such a large income from other services, that would be more than enough to pay for the service and keep it going. If independents can manage, why cant a large company which is technically better off? 

There will be margins that need taking into account too.

Whilst all of the operators may make a small profit, those smaller independents will be happy taking it.
A larger operator may feel that a small margin isn't worth the hassle.

If you have another large operator on the doorstep, then keeping a low margin service (even one making a loss) is important.
Give an inch and the other operator will take a mile.