What are we consulting about?
We are seeking customer feedback on our proposal to cancel service 83A.
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 83A with effect from 22 July 2023.
This service currently operates one Monday – Friday morning trip at 0615 connecting Heworth, Concord, Washington and Chester-Le-Street. During September/October 2022 an average of 7 customers per trip travelled on this service.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
Most sections of the route are covered by alternative frequent buses. Those customers currently travelling on service 83A would require an alternative service and possible interchange as follows in the table below dependent upon boarding/alighting location:
Location | Alternative |
Heworth | Metro and Bus Stops for Go North East services. |
Leam Lane/Concord/Albany | Bus Stops for Go North East service 4. |
Washington Galleries | Bus Stops for Go North East service 4/8/50. |
Biddick/Fatfield | Bus Stops for Go North East service 4/8. |
Harraton/Rickleton | Bus Stops for Go North East service 8. |
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.
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: