Planned changes to Nexus funded services 83A
What are we consulting about?
We are seeking customer feedback on our proposal to cancel service 83A
Why are we considering changes to this service?
The number of passengers using the service is extremely low. On average, 4 passengers a day use the service and the route itself overlaps a number of others which operate to many of the same places that the 83A does.
What changes are we proposing?
We are proposing to cancel services 83A with effect from 11 May 2025
Service 83A operates one trip Monday to Friday at 06:15 from Heworth to Chester-le-Street via Concord, Washington, Biddick, Fatfield, Harraton, Rickleton and Barley Mow.
Due to very low usage and a number of other services which run alongside the 83A, we are consulting on the withdrawal of this service.
We are aware of a small number of customers that use the 83A between Harraton and Barley Mow. As there is no obvious alternative without a long walk, we propose to start the service 82 which begins its trips at Vigo Lane at 06:48 back at Harraton at a similar time to the current 83A service to maintain this unique link.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
Service 83A
Most sections of these routes are covered by alternative bus services. The nearest alternative facilities from the unique sections of route are summarised in the table below. Some customers may be required to transfer between bus services to access their destination. For example, Customers who travel between Heworth and destinations south of Washington Galleries may have to change buses at Gateshead, Concord or Washington Galleries if they cannot go where they need to by using Go North East service 4.
Section of route | Alternative facilities |
Heworth | Service 4 as far as Fatfield. Change at Galleries for Harraton (2,8 and 50) or Rickleton (8, 50). Change at Gateshead for services to Barley Mow and Chester-le-Street (21, X12, X21) |
Lingley Lane – Concord, Heworth Road | Service 4 as far as Fatfield. Change at Galleries for Harraton (2,8 and 50) or Chester-le-Street and Rickleton (8, 50). Change at Galleries. |
Concord and Albany | Service 4 as far as Fatfield. Service 50 for Rickelton and Chester-le-Street. Change at Galleries for Harraton (2 & 8). You can also change at Chester-le-Street for frequent buses to Barley Mow (21)
|
Washington Gallieres | Service 4 and 8 as far as Fatfield. Service 50 for Rickelton and Chester-le-Street. Services 2 and 8 for Harraton You can also change at Chester-le-Street for frequent buses to Barley Mow (21) |
Biddick - Fatfield | Service 4 to Fatfield. Service 8 to Harraton, Rickleton and Chester-le-Street. Change at Chester-le-Street for frequent buses to Barley Mow |
Harraton | Service 8 to Rickleton and Chester-le-Street. We propose a service 82A to depart at around the same time of the present 83A to provide a link to Barley Mow. |
Rickleton | Service 8 and 50 to Chester-le-Street. We propose a service 82A to depart at around the same time of the present 83A to provide a link to Barley Mow. |
Barley Mow | Service 21 provides frequent services to Chester-le-Street |
Your views?
We recently conducted a consultation regarding the proposed withdrawl of the 83A service.
The consultation was open 20th December 2024 to 10th January 2025.
We received 2 responses. 1 opposed, 1 supported and 0 were neutral. A submission was received after the deadline, which was considered.
The reason we proposed the reduction in operational days is because the cost of providing the service is unsustainable and there are commercial alternatives available.
We will therefore proceed with the cancellation of the service and this will apply from 11th May 2025.
Please see below for a list of alternatives by origin point.
Concord and Albany | Service 4 as far as Fatfield. Service 50 for Rickelton and Chester-le-Street. Change at Galleries for Harraton (2 & 8). You can also change at Chester-le-Street for frequent buses to Barley Mow (21)
|
Washington Gallieres | Service 4 and 8 as far as Fatfield. Service 50 for Rickelton and Chester-le-Street. Services 2 and 8 for Harraton You can also change at Chester-le-Street for frequent buses to Barley Mow (21) |
Biddick - Fatfield | Service 4 to Fatfield. Service 8 to Harraton, Rickleton and Chester-le-Street. Change at Chester-le-Street for frequent buses to Barley Mow Or 84/85 to/from Biddick and Galleries for onwards connections. |
Harraton | Service 8 to Rickleton and Chester-le-Street. New service 82A will depart at around the same time of the present 83A to provide a link to Barley Mow. |
Rickleton | Service 8 and 50 to Chester-le-Street. New service 82A will depart at around the same time of the present 83A to provide a link to Barley Mow. |
Barley Mow | Service 21 provides frequent services to Chester-le-Street |
To cater for customers travelling from Harraton to Barley Mow, a service 82A will be introduced on weekdays from Harraton to Barley Mow at 06:43, running via Rickleton.