Nexus is working with local councillors and residents to improve bus services for a fast-growing suburb of Washington.
Improvements to the existing bus route 73, which Nexus provides using funding from local councils, will provide new links through Teal Farm to schools and shops in Washington, as well as employment sites in North Sunderland and the city centre.
From 3 June the 73 will offer a direct hourly route to and from Waterview Park through the growing Teal Farm and Biddick Village to Washington Galleries, in addition to its existing route.
Nexus worked closely with local councillors and the Teal Farm Residents Association to plan the changes, which follow a detailed consultation with local people.
Cllr Fiona Miller, who represents Washington East and is a member of the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority, said: Good transport links are vital for any community, and we are delighted that working together we have brought about an improved, expanded service for people living in this part of Washington.
“People told us where changes needed to be made, and these changes have now been made to help people get more easily to school, the shops and to work by bus along this route.”
Tobyn Hughes, Deputy Director General for Nexus, said: “We are improving route 73 after detailed consultation with local councillors and residents to provide new links to education, employment sites and shops.
“The changes are being made within the existing budget we have to provide local bus services where private companies are unwilling to operate. This is a good example of how Nexus responds to the needs of the community to provide the best possible service, despite the pressure on overall public spending.”
Nexus got together with local councillors and the Teal Farm Residents Association to review local links as the area is likely to see hundreds of new homes built in the next few years.
The improved 73 route will begin on Monday, 3 June and operate from just after 7am in the morning until early evening, Monday to Saturday.
The full route goes from Park Lane Interchange in Sunderland via the Queen Alexandra Bridge, Sunderland Enterprise Park, Hylton Riverside Retail Park, Castletown, Sunrise Enterprise Park, and then takes in Waterview Park, Teal Farm, Biddick Village and Galleries, Peel retail park, Sulgrave, Concord Bus Station and the Coach Road Estate.