What are we consulting about?
We are seeking customer feedback on our proposal to cancel service 515.
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 a number of 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 July 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 service 515 with effect from 22 July 2023.
This service currently operates hourly Monday – Friday daytime (0748-1750) and Saturday daytime (0850-1645). The route connects Heworth – Bill Quay/Hebburn. During September/October 2022 an average of 4 customers per trip travelled on this service.
We are proposing to revise the route of secured service 568 to additionally serve the Lakes Estate in Heworth and Marian Drive in Bill Quay to maintain service provision for customers of these areas.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
Some sections of the route are covered by alternative frequent buses. Those travelling on this service currently would require an alternative service and possible interchange as follows in the table below dependent upon boarding/alighting location. Some customers may be required to walk longer distances to access alternative services:
Location | Alternative |
Lakes Estate | A revised service 568 would serve this section of route. |
Shields Road (Pelaw) | Bus Stops for Go North East service 27. |
Marian Drive (Bill Quay) | A revised service 568 would serve this section of route. |
Victoria Road West (Hebburn College) | Walk to either Mill Lane (220m) for Go North East service 27 or Crawley Avenue/Burns Head Road (280m) for Go North East service 26. |
North Farm Road/ Glen Street | Walk to either Victoria Road West (350m) for Go North East service 26 or Station Road (400m) for Go North East service 26/27. |
Hall Road/Canning Street | Walk to Victoria Road (200m) for Go North East service 26/27. |
St Johns Avenue/Toner Avenue | Walk to either Victoria Road (250m) or Burns Head Crescent (350m) for Go North East service 26 |
Mountbatten Avenue | Walk to either Finchale Road (370m) for Go North East service 27 or Burns Head Road (400m) for Go North East service 26. |
Campbell Park Road | Bus Stops for Go North East service 27. |
Victoria Road East (Hebburn Baths) | Walk to Campbell Park Road (350m) for Go North East service 27. |
Black Road/High Lane Row | Walk to either Auckland Road (160m) or Hedgley Road (160m) for Go North East service 26 or 27. |
Auckland Road/Argyle Street | Bus Stops for Go North East service 26. |
Station Road (Hebburn) | Bus Stops for Go North East services 26/27. |
Your views?
This consultation was open from Friday 05 May – Friday 19 May 2023. All feedback received on or before Friday 19 May was taken into consideration.
Following a further review, we have decided not to progress with our planned changes in full. However, to better meet customer demand and feedback received, the service will be re-routed and revised to operate between QE Hospital – Heworth – Bill Quay – Hebburn, this will re-introduce the direct link lost between Bill Quay and QE Hospital. The service will operate via Nursery Lane and Holly Hill between QE Hospital – Heworth and via A185, Brack Terrace, Victoria Road, Black Road between Heworth – Hebburn. Revised service 568 will replace service provision in the Lakes Estate and Marian Drive.
The new timetable will be effective from Sunday 23rd July 2023.
We appreciate that where services 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.
In addition to this consultation, Nexus are also keen to hear your views concerning local bus services more generally. Write to us, and let us know where you’d like to get to on local buses…
I’d like to a bus to, Commercial Team, Nexus House, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4AX
Or e-mail your feedback: