|
THE Right Honourable Ian McCartney has helped "kick" off an improved bus service in Gateshead. Mr McCartney, Chairman of the Labour Party, saw first hand the benefits of the Go North East services funded through "Kickstart", a partnership with the Government, Gateshead Council and Nexus when he visited the recently re-vamped Gateshead Interchange during Labour Spring Conference at the weekend. Councillor David Wood, Chairman of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, said: "The people of Gateshead will enjoy the benefits of Kickstart and it is a welcome addition to help address social inclusion issues in the borough." Paul Matthews, Managing Director of Go North East, said: "We are delighted to enhance the service through Kickstart. This is a valuable opportunity to improve services and make a difference in the communities it serves." Garnered through Central Government funding, Kickstart doubles the frequency of Services 93 and 94 in Gateshead, operated by Go North East. These are circular services currently operating in both directions every 30 minutes throughout the day. The proposal is to double the weekday daytime frequency of both services to every 15 minutes, and to improve passenger information and waiting facilities at key locations, including urban interchange points with high quality shelters and real time information. Go North East will pay 50% of the cost of four new, fully accessible vehicles to operate the extra services. The services connect many of the key locations in Gateshead: the town centre, including the main transport interchange which has a high throughput of bus and Metro services, the Sage and Baltic, the town's hospital, the largest industrial estate in the region at Team Valley and the main bus corridor to County Durham. The route serves communities with high levels of deprivation and social exclusion.
|
