Overview of the Proposal
Most bus services in Tyne & Wear are run commercially by private bus companies. Services which are not profitable, but which still serve an important social need are then paid for by Nexus. We regularly review all the local bus services that we pay for to ensure that they continue to provide value for money and meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Service M71 was reintroduced in March 2025 and currently operates half-hourly Monday to Saturday daytime between Kingston Park Tesco and Newbiggin Hall Estate. Demand for the route is currently below a level that we would deem to offer good value for money. The service is carrying on average only 66 passengers per day and the subsidy per passenger is £7.16. We therefore propose to withdraw the service and reallocate the resource to deliver improved accessibility in other parts of Newcastle.
Alternative provision
Stagecoach service 6 provides an hourly daily daytime link between Newbiggin Hall Estate and Kingston Park Shops. This route would provide an alternative means of travel for small number of customers affected by the removal of service M71.
Service M71 Consultation Update – March 2026
Following a public consultation, Nexus has confirmed that it will not proceed with the planned removal of service M71.
Feedback received from customers highlighted the role the service plays in providing access to local schools and shopping facilities. Data also shows the number of customers using this route increased during the consultation period.
In response to customer feedback and rising usage, the current contract for service M71 has been extended until March 2027. The service will continue to operate to the existing route and timetable.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide us with their views and help shape the future of this service.
For further information please visit nexus.org.uk or call Nexus Customer Services on 0191 20 20 747