What are we consulting about?
We are seeking customer feedback on our proposal to cancel services 135 and 136.
Why are we considering changes to services?
In July 2022 Nexus carried out a widespread review of local bus services in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland at a time when commercial companies were making cuts to their own routes. As part of this rescue package we introduced or kept on several routes, including this one, with marginal customer numbers. This allowed us to continue to review the route to see if passenger numbers would grow over time. Contracts for bus services that we currently fund in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland are due to end in May 2023 and we have now looked in detail at how the current contracts are performing. This review has highlighted some services which we consider are no longer offering good value for money due mainly to a long-term change in travel patterns following the pandemic. Cancelling these poorly performing services would allow the limited amount of funding that we have available to be spent on maintaining or improving services in areas that are less able to access alternative bus services.
What changes are we proposing?
We are proposing to cancel secured services 135 and 136 after 13th May 2023. These services currently operate hourly (1925 - 2349) Monday – Saturday evenings and (0618 - 2349) on a Sunday between The North Estates of Sunderland and the City Centre. During September 2022 an average of 6 customers travelled on each of the Monday – Saturday evening trips. An average of 7 customers travelled on each of the Sunday trips.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
Those travelling on this service currently would require an alternative service as follows in the table below dependent upon boarding/alighting location:
Location | Alternative |
Southwick | Bus Stops for Go North East services 35/35A/56 and Stagecoach services 3/12/13/16. |
Thompson Road | Walk to Sunderland Road (300m) for Go North East services 35/35A/56 and Stagecoach services 3/12/13/16. |
Carley Hill Road | Walk to Faber Road (220m) for Stagecoach service 16. |
Witherwack / Redhouse | Bus Stops for Stagecoach service 16. |
Downhill | Bus Stops for Stagecoach service 4. |
Town End Farm | Bus Stops for Go North East services 35/35A and Stagecoach services 12/13. |
Hylton Castle | Bus Stops for Go North East services 35/35A and Stagecoach service 4. |
Ringway | Walk to Grange Road (500m) for Go North East services 35/35A. |
Castletown | Bus Stops for Go North East services 35/35A. |
Timber Beach Road | Walk to either Colima Avenue (220m) or Castletown Way (350m) for Go North East services 35/35A. |
Hylton Park Road / Alexandra Avenue | Walk to Sunderland Road (700m) or Castletown Way (800m) for Go North East services 35/35A/56 and Stagecoach services 3/12/13/16. |
Camden Street Gyratory | Walk to Sunderland Road (400m) for Go North East services 35/35A/56 and Stagecoach services 3/12/13/16. |
Pallion | Bus Stops for Stagecoach services 10/11 or Metro. |
Your views?
This consultation was open from Wednesday 15 February – Wednesday 8 March 2023. All feedback received on or before Wednesday 8 March 2023 was taken into consideration.
During this consultation we received 1 response from a customer. This was opposed to withdrawal for the links these services provide through the North Estates.
We recognise the link these services offer customers, however, the number of customers using these services is not at a level that would justify their continued operation.
Alternative Go North East and Stagecoach services are available along most sections.
We have therefore decided to progress with our planned changes.
Services 135 and 136 will be cancelled. The last day of operation will be Saturday 13 May 2023.
We appreciate that where services are withdrawn or change a small number of people may have difficulty accessing alternative transport – if you are concerned you will not be able to make a journey contact us at [email protected] or on 0191 2020 747 so we may offer advice and support.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide us with their views.