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Bus Reform

The Mayor has been elected on a strong mandate to bring buses back into public control. Both the Mayor and Cabinet have set out previously the vision of the region to be recognised as an outstanding place to live, work, visit and invest. For this to happen, more people will use buses, not fewer. An improved, more integrated bus network will help in addressing the wider objectives of the North East CA.

Project details

Portfolio: Transport

Area: County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Sunderland

Key contact email: Enquiries@northeast-ca.gov.uk

Page last updated 12-05-2026

On the 30 of July 2024, the Mayor and Cabinet approved a project to look at undertaking a Franchising Scheme Assessment to investigate future operational models for the region. Following this meeting, and in accordance with section 123B and section 123C(4) of the Transport Act 2000, the North East Combined Authority has authorised the publication of the following notice, stating its intention to prepare an assessment of a proposed bus franchising scheme.

View Notice of Intent here.

On Tuesday 17 March 2026 the North East CA Cabinet unanimously agreed for a detailed Bus Franchising Scheme Assessment to be submitted for independent audit and public consultation, after which a final decision will be taken early 2027.

Subject to a successful audit, the 600-page assessment will move to public consultation in the summer of 2026, giving local people the opportunity to shape the future of their bus services. 

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