(08 Jan 2021, 11:39 pm)BusLoverMum wrote I'm seeing a big difference in the loadings of buses where i live. Seeing one with a passenger is the exception, rather than the norm. That includes those heading to the Arnison Centre, which was really quiet when I went to do my weekly shop, on Wednesday.

I went up to Newcastle earlier this week to pick up some stuff for work (I think it was Tuesday), and I didn't really see that big of a difference. Granted, I travel off peak anyway so the buses are usually pretty quiet anyway, but there still seemed to be a fair number of passengers, obviously things could have died down since then, especially with the weather but for the most part the rules here haven't changed so I don't expect to be much of a difference, and I'd be willing to bet a significant reason for the passenger numbers to drop back down to the 25% ish mark would be down to the schools being closed.

Regardless, GNE are going to be reducing services anyway from the 16th (I think anyway), I just hope they don't pull the X21 from West Auckland again, although the idea of getting an Arriva bus without having to pay them is rather appealing!