What are we consulting about?
We are seeking customer feedback on our proposal to revise the route of service 82.
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 several 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 May 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. Revising 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?
Following existing customer feedback received, we are proposing to revise the route of this service. Currently service 82 operates between Gateshead and Barmston Court. This revised route would see trips terminate at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital no longer serving Gateshead and instead extending between Barmston Court to additionally serve Teal Farm and terminate at Waterview Park. The frequency of the service would remain unchanged operating hourly on a Monday – Saturday daytime.
By introducing this change, we aim to improve customer access to employment sites at Waterview Park and improve the overall punctuality and reliability of the service.
How would customers be affected by our proposed changes?
Existing customers travelling on sections of the current route between the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Barmston Court would incur some minor timing changes between 5 and 10 minutes. Those travelling to Gateshead would either require an interchange or an alternative service as follows in the table below dependent upon boarding/alighting location:
Location | Alternative |
Barmston Court, Washington Village, Lambton and Ayton | Interchange at Washington Galleries bus station from service 82 for Go North East service X1. |
Barley Mow (The Drive) | Walk to either Vigo Lane (550m) or Portobello Road (500m) for secured Go North East service 25. |
Portobello and Portmeads | Bus Stops on Portobello Road and Portmeads Road for secured Go North East service 25. |
Birtley (Lansbury Drive) | Walk to Durham Road (500m) for Go North East service 21 or secured Go North East service 28. |
Wrekenton (Long Bank) | Bus Stops for secured Go North East service 28. |
The first bus on a Monday – Friday from Barley Mow Vigo Lane Bridge (towards Queen Elizabeth Hospital) would depart at 0658. The first bus on a Monday – Friday from Waterview Park (towards Queen Elizabeth Hospital) would depart at 0734, then at 34 minutes past the hour until the last trip at 1734.
The first bus on a Monday – Friday from Birtley (towards Waterview Park) would depart at 0647. The first bus on a Monday – Friday from Queen Elizabeth Hospital (towards Waterview Park) would depart at 0732, then at 32 minutes past the hour until 1632, followed by last trips at 1732 and 1836 that would terminate at Washington Galleries.
The first bus on a Saturday from Barley Mow Vigo Lane Bridge (towards Queen Elizabeth Hospital) would depart at 0758. The first bus on a Saturday from Waterview Park (towards Queen Elizabeth Hospital) would depart at 0834, then at 34 minutes past the hour until the last trip at 1734.
The first bus on a Saturday from Birtley (towards Waterview Park) would depart at 0747. The first bus on a Saturday from Queen Elizabeth Hospital (towards Waterview Park) would depart at 0832, then at 32 minutes past the hour until 1632, followed by last trips at 1732 and 1836 that would terminate at Washington Galleries.
All stops would be observed on the section of route along Old Durham Road between Wrekenton and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Go North East tickets that are currently accepted on this service will remain in place.
Your views?
This consultation was open from Wednesday 15 February – Wednesday 8 March 2023. All feedback received on or before Wednesday 8 March 2023 was taken into consideration.
During this consultation we received 26 responses from customers. 16 customers were supportive of our proposed changes, 4 customers were opposed, and 6 customers suggested feedback, however these were neither supportive or opposed.
In view of the feedback received we have decided to progress with our planned changes.
The new route and timetable will be effective from Sunday 14 May 2023.
Following contract changes, this service will be operated by a different operator.
We appreciate that where services 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.