Nexus has confirmed that five key bus routes in Newcastle and North Tyneside have been saved from the axe.
The routes, which were due to be cut by Arriva, have been retained thanks to Go North East and Stagecoach stepping in.
The two operators are to run new services which replace most of the planned Arriva cuts from 3 September.
Nexus has led the efforts to protect these key services by encouraging other commercial bus operators to take on as many of the routes as possible.
Nexus will be funding some additional bus services where the commercial operators are not stepping in, using financial support from the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “We have worked closely with our colleagues at Go North East and Stagecoach to ensure these five essential bus routes will continue after 3 September.
“This move is vital as these buses provide links to places of employment, education and health care.
“We have taken this action after Arriva decided that those five routes were no longer financially sustainable for them.
“Nexus is spending more than ever before to support local bus routes right across Tyne and Wear - more than £15 million a year - thanks to the support of local authorities and funding from the Bus Service Improvement Plan.
“The whole bus industry is still under enormous financial pressure, and we have to fit our services around the commercial network to put as many people as possible in reach of a local service.”