What are we consulting about?
We are seeking customer feedback on our proposal to cancel service R5.
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 service R5 with effect from 22 July 2023.
Service R5 currently operates hourly Monday – Saturday daytime (0915 – 1515). The route connects Rowlands Gill - Sherburn Park Estate/Highfield/Burnopfield. During September/October 2022 an average of 5 customer per trip travelled on this service.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
Service R5
Most sections of this route are covered by alternative frequent bus services. The nearest alternative facilities from the unique sections of route are summarised in the table below. Some customers may be required to walk longer distances to access alternative services.
Unique sections of route | Alternative facilities |
Sherburn Park Estate | Walk to Sherburn Towers Estate (300m) to access services R3/R4. These routes serve Rowlands Gill and Highfield.
Alternatively, walk to Lockhaugh Road (600m) to access frequent services 47, R3/R4 or X45. These routes travel to Rowlands Gill and Highfield (47 and R3/R4). |
Rowlands Gill (The Grove, Stirling Lane, South Sherburn, Leazes View, Whinfield Terrace) | Walk to Station Road, Strathmore Road, or Smailes Lane (450m) to access services 47 or R3/R4. These routes serve Rowlands Gill and Highfield. |
Highfield (Highfield Road, Woodside Way and William Morris Avenue) | Walk to Smailes Lane (600m) to access services 47 or R3/R4. These routes serve Rowlands Gill and Highfield. |
Direct link Rowlands Gill – Burnopfield via Busty Bank | Travel between Rowlands Gill – Burnopfield would require interchange between services 6 and 47/X45 at the Metrocentre or between services X45 and X71 at Hamsterley Mill. |
Your views?
This consultation was open from Monday 17 April – Friday 19 May 2023. All feedback received on or before 19 May 2023 was taken into consideration.
During the consultation we received 14 responses, each opposed to the proposed cancellation of service R5. Several respondents highlighted the poor reliability of the service, with some suggesting that improved reliability would help to increase patronage. We accept that the reliability of this service has often fallen short of the standards that we expect and in recent weeks. We have taken action to address this, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
In view of the consultation feedback received, we have decided NOT to progress our planned changes. Service R5 will continue to operate to the existing route/timetable. With effect from Monday 24 July 2023 service R5 will also be operated by a new contractor.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide us with their views.