Another thing I’ve heard is that the 0900 from Alston was never supposed to accept Cumbria concessionary passes as they’re only active after 09:30.
So elderly passengers never really wanted to pay.
And from speaking to drivers that I know. During the months of winter you’d be lucky to have more than five passengers across the entire 10hrs30 shift.
And of them, they may not even take any cash or card fares.
RE: Go North East: Major Service Changes July 2022