What are we consulting about?
We are seeking customer feedback on our proposal to cancel the 0657 trip on service 937.
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 the 0657 trip on secured service 937 with effect from 22 July 2023.
This service currently operates a Monday – Friday morning trip at 0657 connecting Birtley and Team Valley. During September/October 2022 an average of 4 customers per trip travelled on this service.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
The first bus on a Monday – Friday from Birtley towards Team Valley would depart at 0627, followed by a further departure at 0727.
Customers wishing to travel outside of the new 937 operating hours would be required to use alternative bus services (Go North East 21/93/94 or Arriva X12) that may additionally require an interchange at Gateshead. Some customers may be required to walk further distances to access these alternative services.
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.