"It's just that isolation that makes it difficult if you don't have a car."
Little said local staff would continue to monitor the situation.
"We've got to look at why people aren't filling the seats."
Sam Peate, general manager New Zealand Coachlines and Auckland Tourism, said InterCity would operate four services per week in each direction between Napier and Gisborne, including Wairoa.
"InterCity services along the East Coast route were popular with visitors to the region and with the ongoing closure of borders to international tourists, passenger numbers have been severely impacted.
"As a result, we have had to reduce our frequency to ensure the viability of this route and communities it services."