(01 Apr 2021, 6:49 pm)mb134 wrote Just a thought, could it be to reduce loads on the 28/28a? If the restrictions on capacity continue until June, then you'd run the risk of filling a 28 with folk going to Beamish if they are promoting using the bus to get there. This way you can promote the B1 and its easier connections at Eldon Square, and also make sure that the 28 remains relatively free for those who need to use that for non-Beamish purposes.

If the B1 started at Eldon Square like the 28 does, then aye - I can see the logic behind that.
As it only serves Central Station, I'd hazard a guess it wasn't running to complement or offer an alternative. They're instantly cutting off a source of passengers by not having it run to Eldon Square or parts of the city centre where there's hotels - other than those in spitting distance of Central.