(31 Jan 2021, 7:08 pm)Driver9*** wrote Since new year, the average number of passengers travelling into Newcastle between 9am-4pm on any given service I've driven has been in the region of half a dozen give or take. At least half are pensioners who have got on the bus at either Blyth or Cramlington. What non essential shops are curently open in Newcastle that are not in Blyth and Cramlington? None. Throw in the younger generation and bus spotters with disability passes who are never off the buses all day regardless, Arriva and the others should realise that apart from the odd extra bus for the workers in the morning there is no requirement for anything other than a standard Sunday service all week at present.

Aye from what I've heard it's still reasonably healthy (given the circumstances, not compared to 'normal') loads during the peaks but otherwise it's dead. I imagine the theory is that while they are subsidised by the government, they should run a reasonably high level so as to keep peaks passengers spaced out and also to provide a reliable service for those needing essential travel - it's a hard balance to get I'd think.

One of the things that annoy me the most is that, essentially, we as taxpayers are paying for these pensioners/spotters to go around the region putting essential workers at risk. It's the lack of decency and respect to others that gets me - I'd be absolutely mortified if I went on a bus halfway down the county for a jolly during a lockdown and unknowingly gave a nurse/supermarket worker/bus driver etc. the virus. It's not as if the buses aren't going to be there in a few months time.