Why are we considering changes to services?
In March 2022 Nexus carried out a widespread review of local bus services in Newcastle and North Tyneside 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 Newcastle and North Tyneside are due to end in March 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.
This consultation has now closed, and all feedback received will be reviewed. The final decision on this proposal will be published here.
What changes are we proposing?
We are proposing to cancel services 84/84a with effect from 26 March 2023.
Service 84 operates hourly Monday – Saturday daytime (1000 – 1600). This route provides direct connections to Metrocentre from Arthurs Hill, Elswick and Benwell. During September/October 2022 an average of 3 customers per trip travelled on this service.
Service 84a operates hourly Monday – Saturday daytime (0940 – 1610). This route provides direct connections to Newcastle City Centre and the RVI from Spital Tongues, Fenham, East Denton and some local links in West Denton. During September/October 2022 an average of 2 customers per trip travelled on this service.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
Services 84/84a
Most sections of these routes 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. Some customers may be required to transfer between bus services to access their destination. Customers who travel between the Metrocentre and the inner west parts of Newcastle would be required to transfer between services in Newcastle city centre.
Unique route section | Alternative facilities |
Broadmead Way (Scotswood) | Walk to Whickham View (350m) to access frequent services 30/31, & 38. These routes travel to Newcastle City Centre via Benwell (30/31) or West Road (38). There are frequent buses connecting Newcastle – Metrocentre operating throughout each day departing from Eldon Square Bus Station or Central Station.
Alternatively, walk to Denton Road/Armstrong Road (400m) to access Stagecoach’s service 1. This route travels to Newcastle City Centre (Grainger Street/Market Street/Pilgrim Street) via Scotswood and Benwell. |
Lanercost Drive / St Cuthberts Road / Heatherslaw Road (Fenham) | Walk to Two Ball Lonnen/Cedar Road (450m) for access to services 32/32a or frequent service 12. These routes travel to Newcastle city centre (12, 32/32a) or RVI (32/32a).
Alternatively, walk to Netherby Drive (300m) for access to frequent services 36 or 63. These routes travel to Newcastle city centre (36, 63) or RVI (36). |
Haydon Place / Whitbeck Road / The Drive (Slatyford) | Walk to Slatyford Lane for access to frequent services 1 or 11. These routes travel to Newcastle city centre (1/11) or West Denton Shops (11). |
Thornley Road / Linbridge Drive / Apperley (West Denton) | Walk to West Denton Way (500m) for to access frequent services 6/7, 11, or 62/63. These routes travel to Metrocentre (6/7) or Newcastle city centre (11, 62/63).
Alternatively, walk to A69 for access to frequent services 10, 39/40. These routes travel direct to Newcastle city centre via West Road. |
Your views
This consultation was open from Tuesday 3 January – Monday 30 January 2023. All feedback received on or before 30 January 2023 was taken into consideration.
During the consultation we received 7 responses from customers, all objecting to our plans. We recognise that the direct link between Benwell/Scotswood – Metrocentre, and the local links within West Denton/Slatyford/Fenham were valued by customers. However, the number of customers using these services is not at a level that would justify their continued operation.
We have therefore decided to progress our planned changes. Services 84/84a will be cancelled. The last day of operation will be Saturday 25 March 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.