North East residents invited to shape future of region's bus network

People across the North East are being asked for their views on plans that could see more than 500 bus routes brought under public control in what would represent the region's biggest overhaul of bus services for more than four decades.

The North East Mayoral Combined Authority has launched a public consultation on proposals to introduce a bus franchising model, giving Mayor Kim McGuinness greater control over how services are planned and delivered across the region.

If approved, the authority would determine routes, timetables, fares and service standards, while private bus companies would continue operating services under contracts awarded by the authority.

Plans to reverse years of service decline

The consultation follows growing concerns about the long-term decline of the region's bus network.

According to the authority, the number of bus services has fallen by almost one-third since 2010, with many communities experiencing reduced frequencies, fewer evening and weekend services and, in some cases, the complete withdrawal of routes.

Under the proposed franchising system, the Mayor has pledged to protect bus services from further reductions for at least 10 years, while expanding the network and improving reliability.

Greater public control

The proposed model would mirror arrangements already introduced in Greater Manchester and being developed in several other city regions.

Rather than commercial operators deciding where and when services run, the authority would specify the network, with operators competing to deliver routes through competitively awarded contracts.

Supporters argue this approach enables better integration between services while allowing transport authorities to prioritise social and economic needs rather than commercial viability alone.

Mayor promises more reliable buses

Mayor Kim McGuinness said improving reliability and affordability were central to the proposals.

She said residents had consistently highlighted concerns about unreliable services and rising costs.

"The difference that people will see will be things like more reliable services, which are much needed, fares that don't need to rise for a long period of time, and, frankly, a bus service that reflects what people want to see—better integration and newer buses."

She added that many passengers currently struggle to rely on buses for everyday journeys.

"I hear all the time complaints that the bus just doesn't show up or it shows up late.

"They can't rely on it to get to work.

"More people use the bus than any other form of public transport, so something has to change."

McGuinness said the consultation was intended to encourage contributions from both regular passengers and those who no longer use buses.

Financial risks also highlighted

While the authority believes franchising offers significant opportunities to improve services, the consultation also outlines the additional responsibilities the public sector would assume.

Under the new model, the authority would take on greater financial responsibility for operating a network currently used by around 317,500 passenger journeys each day.

Chief Executive Henry Kippin said residents were being encouraged to consider both the benefits and the risks before expressing their views.

"We want people across the North East to consider our plans, including the new responsibilities and risks we would take on."

Consultation runs until September

The proposals were approved for consultation by the authority's cabinet earlier this year following an independent assessment of future options for the region's bus network.

The consultation will remain open until 28 September, with more than 30 public engagement events scheduled across the North East.

Once the consultation closes, responses will be reviewed before the Mayor and Cabinet decide whether to proceed with introducing bus franchising.

If approved, the move would mark one of the most significant changes to public transport governance in the North East since bus deregulation in the 1980s, placing the region alongside a growing number of mayoral authorities seeking greater control over local public transport networks.