What are we consulting about?
We are seeking customer feedback on our proposal to cancel a trip on service 941.
Why are we considering changes to services?
In July 2022 Nexus carried out a widespread review of local bus services in west Gateshead 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 west Gateshead 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 1715 trip from Team Valley on secured service 941 after 22 July 2023. In September/October 2022 there was an average of 8 customers per trip.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
The 0640/0710 AM trips from Stanhope Street to Team Valley would continue un-changed. In the afternoon the only return trip would depart from Team Valley at 1605.
Customers wishing to travel outside of the new 941 operating hours would be required to use alternative bus services. There is a service 91 trip from Team Valley at 1708 to Newcastle city centre which then connects with frequent services towards Stanhope Street/West Road (Stagecoach services 39/40), or Lemington (Stagecoach service 22).
Your views?
This consultation was open from Friday 05 May – Friday 19 May 2023. All feedback received on or before 19 May 2023 was taken into consideration.
During the consultation we received 1 response opposed to the proposed cancellation of the Monday – Friday 1715 941 trip from Team Valley. We accept that there are a small number of customers who benefit from the direct links currently offered by this trip. However, the high cost of providing this bespoke peak trip is no longer sustainable.
We have therefore decided to progress with our planned change. The Monday – Friday 1715 941 trip from Team Valley will be withdrawn following the last day of operation on Friday 21 July 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.
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: