(17 Feb 2018, 9:01 pm)Tamesider wrote It was "28 years ago" so 1989/90, but that would be broadly similar to AFTER 26th October 1986, I suppose. I think there are two trends bearing in mind the situation in the North West (cited as seeing the biggest drop, recently) and that is that the rate of reduction in both mileage and patronage is increasing, and that what was once just a "rural" problem, is hitting more and more suburban areas.

BBC Cambs asked the question about what would get listeners using the bus. An interesting listen for those stuck in traffic on their way home tonight! But what would passengers know
https://twitter.com/BusUsersUK/status/96...4365441026

In response to the bit in bold. Consolidation seems to be the watchword up here.
Routes merged, some areas left without a direct links/key areas such as hospitals left without a service beyond mid-afternoon and fleet dispositions getting smaller as older vehicles aren't always replaced by new.

In my opinion, there's only so many cutbacks that can be made, before the whole thing breaks.