(06 Jan 2022, 6:18 pm)DeltaMan wrote GNE won't he the only ones doing some sort of reduced service. Covid is wreaking havoc in the places I know of. Even where rotas are virtually fully staffed! There are only so many times you can move drivers around other depots when they are dropping like flies for isolation

This is true. I have heard that Costa in Durham for example have closed their shops, due to high staff sickness as a result of Covid-related absences.

The difference of course is that you can cope without a coffee, whereas those using public transport may be reliant upon it. It makes cancellations and reduction in service a much harder pill to swallow for customers.

I suspect it's a decision not made lightly, but it's best to pre-plan a reduction in service and make customers aware (through as many channels as possible), than a short-notice cancellation, which, despite the company's best efforts, may not be seen by customers who are stood waiting in the cold and rain... I believe this comes after Baroness Vere wrote to all local authorities requesting transport operators who are suffering a staff shortage to change schedules accordingly to reduce staffing levels. I note the Ferry have also reduced their evening service, for example.