Mayor drives forward bus reform plans

A regeneration boss has announced plans to bring bus services under public control across the North East.

The North East Combined Authority has approved proposals to progress a Bus Franchising Scheme Assessment, with mayor Kim McGuinness’ plans now set for independent audit and public consultation.

The scheme could see buses brought under public control, with simplified fares, improved reliability and a single system for travel information and payments.

Covering a vast area from Barnard Castle to Berwick, the proposed network would be one of the largest in England and form part of a wider integrated transport system.

The assessment suggests franchising could increase passenger numbers, expand services and deliver better value, although risks remain.

Mayor McGuinness said: “Buses should work for people across our region whether you’re travelling in the city centre, from rural towns and villages, or along our coast.  

“We have already stepped in with the Mayor’s Fares to make travel more affordable by paying bus companies to make tickets cheaper. 

“Now we can go further.

“I’ve always been clear I want to see buses back under public control as a way to deliver the improvements we all want to see. 

“I said I would do this in my manifesto, and today we have taken a huge step forward. 

“This opens the way for everyone in the North East to have their say on our plans. 

“That’s going to happen this summer before we make a final decision. 

“This has been a long and detailed process, but it matters because buses matter.

“We’ve already seen more growth in people using buses here than in many places in the country, and that shows just how important they are to people’s everyday lives. 

“My ambition is to build a world-class public transport network for the North East – one that connects our communities, supports our economy, and gives people a real reliable alternative to the car.”

Subject to audit, a public consultation will launch this summer, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of bus travel across the region.

Residents can sign up to hear when the consultation launches and help shape the region’s future bus network here.

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