The Sunderland Connect bus service is running to its summer timetable – with a new Sunday service added to give families and visitors an even better way to link the city’s attractions with its spectacular coastline.
From Saturday 28 June until 12 September the popular ‘700’ Sunderland Connect route will link Harbour View and Marine Walk to the city centre.
And there is great value for families with an all-day family ticket for two adults and up to three children frozen in price at just £5. You can find full details of the service and its timetable by clicking here.
Sunderland Connect, powered by a fleet of greener hybrid buses, already passes the Empire Theatre, Stadium of Light, Aquatic Centre, St Peter’s Church, National Glass Centre and Winter Gardens – as well as city centre shops, rail and Metro stations.
The bus route is a partnership between Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland and Nexus.
Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for City Services, Councillor Michael Mordey, said: “Extending the timetable and the route of this very popular service over the summer months, should encourage even more people to use it.
“We need to make public transport more people’s preferred travel option and this bus service is an affordable and convenient way for families and visitors to get around.
“This service is a great example of what we’re all working together to provide, with an increased, regular service linking the city centre and our beautiful coastline at times and prices to suit everyone.”
Tobyn Hughes, Deputy Director General of Nexus, said: “Sunderland Connect is growing in popularity all the time, and the £5 family ticket and new Sunday services make it an even better way to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
“The summer timetable takes local people and visitors straight to the city’s spectacular coastline right through the week as the holiday season comes round.”
Graeme Robinson, Head of Facilities at the University of Sunderland said: “The partnership is continually looking for opportunities to improve Sunderland Connect and the University welcomes the introduction of the new Sunday service.
“Entering into this partnership has allowed the University to greatly improve our inter-campus travel provision for our staff and students, as well as offering a great way to discover the city’s attractions and fantastic coastline.”
Buses, operated under contract by Go North East, run every 20 minutes during the week and every half hour at weekends.
An all-day hop-on-hop-off ticket is just £2.10 for adults and £5 for a family of two adults and up to three children. The summer timetable is in place from 28 June until 12 September 2014.