Sunderland City Centre is a tip at the moment. It is hardly thriving with shops, restaurants, etc.

Most will go to Gateshead and Newcastle where there is more choice. I think a lot of people will opt to travel by car though when the link isn't as easy and streamlined as it usually is.

So I'd be of the opinion that there is less demand for buses in Sunderland too.

Appreciate that it's a vicious circle though! Don't provide a normal service and people will opt for the alternative (car), but provide a normal service and struggle to staff the buses and run the risk of not making a profit if passenger numbers aren't high.

Difficult decision!