The Better Bus Network, a unique partnership between Stagecoach North East, Go North East, Nexus and South Tyneside Council, starts on Sunday, 13 June with many routes in the borough changing.
To mark the change households right across South Tyneside are being hand-delivered a guide to bus routes in their local area – and the invitation to give the new network a try with a day’s free travel on both Go North East and Stagecoach buses.
The leaflets and vouchers will go out to 66,000 homes in the next few days.
John Conroy, Managing Director, Stagecoach North East, said: “The launch of the Better Bus Network heralds a new and innovative approach to enhancing bus services across South Tyneside and we believe the changes will have a positive impact on the community.
“The collaborative approach we have taken with Nexus and other operators will enable us to stabilise public transport while supporting the local economy and we are committed to making the network as efficient as possible.
“We hope people take advantage of the free travel initiative following the launch of the new network on Sunday 13 June and we look forward to welcoming them aboard our services.”
Peter Huntley, Managing Director of Go North East, said: “Go North East sees the new service network this weekend as the beginning of new period of partnership with South Tyneside Council and Nexus in which we aim to deliver the best possible services to the residents of and visitors to the borough.
“The new network and the introductory offers aren’t just fro existing bus users. We hope people who normally travel by car will take a fresh look at what public transport has to offer in South Tyneside.”
The Better Bus Network is being launched following a detailed consultation with local people on where and when they wanted to travel. Nexus held consultation events across South Tyneside and bus operators conducted their own surveys.
The result is a network in which Nexus has worked together with each operator to plan a mix of commercially-operated and publicly-funded bus services that knit together to ensure the whole community has the best possible service, meeting the local area plans South Tyneside Council has for the borough.
The Better Bus Network will deliver improved bus services right across the borough, including more evening and weekend journeys.
There are also improved links between local neighbourhoods, South Tyneside Hospital and other community health, shopping and leisure destinations.