Public transport campaigners are urging people across the North East to respond positively to the consultation on bus reform launched in the region today. The North East Public Transport Users Group (NEPTUG) say the planned franchising arrangement presents the biggest opportunity for the transformation of public transport since the deregulation of bus services in 1986.
Vicki Gilbert, co-chair of the North East Public Transport Users Group said “It’s vital that the North East public support franchising of bus services in the region. The proposals will give us, the people who pay for the service, a say in what we get for our public money. At present most bus services in the UK and here in the North East region are run privately, and have been for the last forty years, yet those private companies receive billions in public subsidy. This is our opportunity to change that and a first step towards a fully integrated public transport system.”
NEPTUG argue that the proposed bus franchising arrangement will bring back the integrated transport system that many in the North East remember from the early days of the Tyne and Wear Metro. An integrated transport system, with buses linking to Metros and local trains, simple ticketing and joined-up timetables, would be possible again with buses under public control. This is the system that is so successful in London, and now Greater Manchester.
NEPTUG co-chair Alistair Ford added “Many people have experienced or heard about London’s red buses and the similar yellow Bee Buses in Manchester, both of which are part of an integrated, franchised bus system. Similar systems are planned systems across much of the north of England, with simple tap-on, tap-off fares for the whole journey, whether you use bus, Metro, ferry, or train. This makes it easier, cheaper, and more accountable for public transport users. That is why NEPTUG support Mayor Kim McGuinness’s plan to introduce bus franchise agreements in the North East as a step towards a fully joined-up transport service.”
The 12-week consultation gives the public of the North East the chance to support reform for bus services in the region, to give elected representatives control over bus timetables, routes, fares, and vehicle standards. This allows the integration of bus routes and times with those on Metro or rail, improving connections at interchanges like Park Lane in Sunderland, Heworth, Gateshead, or Four Lane Ends. Simpler integrated fares mean one ticket for all modes of public transport, reducing costs and simplifying travel.
Vicki Gilbert concluded “It is NEPTUG’s vision that public transport in the North East should be safe, reliable, affordable, accessible, and accountable. This proposal puts us on a path towards that, and public support is vital to keep moving forward towards a public transport system that people can rely upon to get to work, the GP surgery, hospital, school, to see friends, or go to the shops. We pay for bus services with our taxes, so why can’t we have control of how they run?”
ITV News coverage can be found on the following link: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/consultation-opens-on-bringing-north-east-buses-under-public-control/sgbd8yx
We have created a special website, (https://betterbusesne.org.uk/) to explain why we want better buses in the region, why franchising will help us achieve that, and to give you some ideas for filling in the consultation. Please share far and wide and encourage friends and family to respond positively.
We have also created the leaflet below setting out the case for bus reform and franchised services in the North East.
Have your say in the public consultation and support Mayor McGuinness’ proposed Bus Franchising Scheme: https://www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultations/haveyoursay
The consultation is open for responses until 9am 28 September 2026.
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