HomeConsultationsHave your say on the future of our buses

Have your say on the future of our buses

We want to hear your views on the proposed Bus Franchising Scheme. Your feedback will help inform the final decision on how bus services are run in the North East.

The consultation is open for responses until 9am 28 September 2026.

Please note, full consultation documents can be found in the key documents section below.

Open

We want to know what you think about our plans for better bus services, so we make the right decisions for local people.

Buses are by far the most used public transport in the North East – people made 115 million journeys in 2024/25 for work, school, health appointments and all sorts of other reasons.

But the bus network has seen long-term decline. Over the past 15 years, passenger numbers and the number of miles operated have both fallen significantly, meaning fewer routes, less frequent services and reduced access in some areas.

We’ve heard from thousands of people about what matters most for transport, and we’re now consulting on whether a different approach - known as bus franchising - could create a better bus network for people across the North East.

Whether you use the bus now or not, or might do so if the service changed, we’d like to know what you think of our plans.

 

Have your say now

How buses are currently run

Bus services in the North East are currently deregulated. This means private bus companies decide routes, timetables, fares and service standards.

An Enhanced Partnership is in place between the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA), local authorities and bus companies. While this allows for joint working, operators still make most key decisions.

This can lead to:

  • Complex fares and a wide range of ticket types
  • Limited coordination between routes and other transport
  • Inconsistent standards across the network
  • Limited influence for local communities

Public funding currently supports a significant part of the network, but there is limited public control over how services are planned and delivered.  

What's being proposed

We are consulting on a Bus Franchising Scheme.

Under franchising, the North East MSA would:

  • Set routes, timetables and fares
  • Decide service standards
  • Contract bus operators to run services on its behalf

Bus companies would still run services, but under contract and to agreed standards.

What this could mean for you

The Assessment of the proposed scheme suggests it could lead to:

🎫 Simpler tickets and better value for money

🚌 More consistent routes and timetables, with better connections

🦺 Increased and more consistent safety measures

📍 One place to find journey information

✨ A clear, recognisable network identity

💬 Greater opportunity for local people to have a say

👋 More public control over how services are planned and delivered

It would also mean the North East MSA taking on greater financial responsibility for the network, which would need to be carefully managed.

We want to hear from you

We want to hear your views on the proposed Bus Franchising Scheme. Your feedback will help inform the final decision on how bus services are run in the North East.

Our survey is open for responses now, until 28 September 2026. Access it below.

Have your say now

Key documents

Other ways to get involved

If you'd prefer to speak or write to us, there are other ways to share your feedback on our plans.

Call us on 0191 277 4223

Email us at haveyoursay@northeast-ca.gov.uk

Write to us at North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BZ

In person - we have a team of people who will be out and about in neighbourhoods and communities holding drop-in events. We'd also welcome you to get in touch directly to have a conversation or arrange a visit. 

If you would like to complete our more detailed questionnaire, then you can access a copy here. Simply complete and return to haveyoursay@northeast-ca.gov.uk.

Alternative formats

To request a paper survey or to access the information in another format such as an audio version, a large text version, or another language, please email us at haveyoursay@northeast-ca.gov.uk or call the team on 0191 277 4223.

Come and talk to us

The Royal Victoria Infirmary (Newcastle): Monday 20 July, 12:30 - 16:30

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Queen Victoria Road, New Victoria Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP

Chester-Le-Street Riverside Park: Tuesday 21 July, 10:00 - 13:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Ropery Ln, Chester-Le-Street DH3 3PL

John Willie Sams Centre (Cramlington): Thursday 23 July, 11:00 - 14:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

John Willie Sams Centre, Market Street, Dudley, Cramlington, NE23 7HS

Newbiggin Community Hub: Friday 24 July, 10:00 - 13:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses

Newbiggin Community Hub
Woodhorn Road
Newbiggin‑by‑the‑Sea
Northumberland
NE64 6HG

Great Park Community Centre (Newcastle): Monday 27 July, 10:00 - 14:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Rosedon Way, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 9BD

Spennymoor Library and Leisure Centre: Wednesday 29 July, 09:30 - 12:15

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB

Durham Bus Station: Friday 31 July. 09:30 - 12:30

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

North Road, Durham, DH1 4SG

Hebburn Central Leisure Centre: Tuesday 4 August, 9:00 - 13:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Glen St, Hebburn NE31 1AB

Killingworth Shopping Centre: Friday 7 August, Time TBC

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

High St, Killingworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 6YT

Sunderland Museum, Winter Gardens: Monday 10 August, 09:30 - 12:30

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the Local Transport Plan.

Mowbray Gardens, Burdon Rd, Sunderland SR1 1PP

Wallsend Community Hub & Library: Wednesday 12 August, 09:00 - 13:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

16 The Forum, Wallsend NE28 8JR

Cramlington Community Hub: Thursday 13 August, Time TBC

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the Local Transport Plan.

Retail Park 
Manor Walks Shopping Centre 
Cramlington 
NE23 6YB

North Shields Transport Hub: Tuesday 18 August, 09:00 - 13:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the fuure of our buses.

Railway Terrace, North Shields NE29 6RS

Blaydon Winlaton Family Hub, Thursday 20 August, 13:00 - 16:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the Local Transport Plan.

Shibdon Bank, Blaydon NE21 5EZ

Jarrow Focus: Monday 24 August, 13:00 - 17:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Jarrow Focus, Cambrian Street, Jarrow NE32 3QN

Kayll Road Library Community Hub: Wednesday 26 August, 13:00 - 16:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Kayll Rd, Sunderland SR4 7TW

Eldon Square Bus Station: Thursday 27 August, 13:00 - 17:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Eldon Square Bus Station Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7JB

Blyth Community Hub (CVA Blyth Valley): Tuesday 1 September, Time TBC

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

22 Beaconsfield St, Blyth NE24 2DP

Berwick Trust Community Hall: Thursday 3 September, 14:00 - 18:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

The William Elder Building 56 - 58 Castlegate Berwick upon Tweed

M The Galleries: Friday 4 September, Time TBC

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Galleries Washington, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 7SD

Houghton Branch Library: Monday 7 September, 10:00 - 14:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Houghton Branch Library And Learning Centre, 74 Newbottle St, Houghton-Le-Spring DH4 4GB

Stanley Library: Tuesday 8 September, 10:00 - 14:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

The Louisa Centre, Front St, Stanley, DH9 0TE

Chopwell Community Centre: Thursday 10 September, 09;30 - 13:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Derwent Street, Chopwell, Newcastle upon Tyne NE17 7HS

Gateshead Central Library: Monday 14 September, 10:00 - 14:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4LN

Boldon Community Centre: Friday 18 September, 10:00 - 14:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

New Rd, Boldon Colliery NE35 9DS

Throckley Community Hall: Tuesday 22 September, 09:30 - 12:30

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Victoria Terrace Back, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 9EL

Teams Family Hub (Gateshead): Wednesday 23 September, Time TBC

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Rose Street, Teams, Gateshead, NE8 2LS

Peterlee Library: Friday 25 September, 13:00 - 16:00

Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

Burnhope Way, Peterlee, Co Durham, SR8 1NT

Frequently asked questions

What is the Bus Reform project?

The Bus Reform project is focused on improving bus services in the North East over the long term.

We are consulting on a proposed Bus Franchising Scheme, which could change how bus services are planned and delivered across the region. The aim is to create a network that is more reliable, easier to use, and better connected to other forms of transport.

What is Bus Franchising?

A bus franchising scheme is a model where the public sector sets routes, timetables, fares and service standards.

Bus companies then compete for contracts to operate services on behalf of the public sector, rather than running services commercially.

This model is already used in places like London and Manchester.

What is the current system?

Bus services in the North East currently operate in a deregulated market through an Enhanced Partnership (EP) between local authorities and bus operators.

Under this model, operators are responsible for most services, fares and timetables, while the public sector works with operators to agree improvements.

Although this has brought investment and some improvements, it also has limitations, including a lack of full control over the network and challenges in coordinating services.

What is a Franchising Scheme Assessment (FSA)?

A Franchising Scheme Assessment is a detailed, evidence-based report that looks at whether introducing bus franchising could improve local bus services.

It includes analysis of how franchising would work, how it compares to the current system, the potential benefits, financial implications, and impacts on passengers and communities.

The FSA for the North East has been independently audited and is now published as part of the public consultation.

We have also published a consultation document which summarises the FSA.

Where are we in the process?

We are currently at the public consultation stage.

The Franchising Scheme Assessment has been completed and independently audited, and the Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) is now consulting on a proposed Bus Franchising Scheme.

We are asking residents, businesses and stakeholders for their views before any final decision is made.

What happens after the consultation has closed?

Following the consultation, all feedback will be carefully reviewed.

The mayor of the North East, Kim McGuiness, will then decide whether to introduce bus franchising in the North East.

This is a statutory consultation and no final decision has been made at this stage.

Why is this happening now?

The North East MSA has the legal powers to introduce bus franchising under the Devolution Deal.

While improvements have been delivered under the current system, challenges remain around reliability, network stability and integration.

This consultation is about understanding whether a different model could deliver better outcomes for passengers in the long term.

What areas does it cover?

The consultation covers the full North East MSA area:

  • County Durham
  • Gateshead
  • Newcastle
  • Northumberland
  • North Tyneside
  • South Tyneside
  • Sunderland

How can I take part?

You can take part in the consultation by completing the survey online at northeast-ca.gov.uk/haveyoursay.

You can also take part in other ways: You can call us on 0191 277 4223

  • Request a printed copy of the survey, which we’ll post to you with a free return envelope
  • Complete the survey over the phone with a member of our team

Alternatively, there will be opportunities to take part in person at events across the region.

Can I receive this information in alternative formats or other languages?

To request a paper survey or to access the information in another format such as an audio version, a large text version, or another language, please email us at haveyoursay@northeast-ca.gov.uk or call the team on 0191 277 4223.