20 July 2026 - Newsletter

Have your say on the future of North East buses

The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) want to know what you think about their plans for better bus services, so they can 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.

They've heard from thousands of people about what matters most for transport, and are 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, they’d like to know what you think of their plans.

Take part here - Have your say on our buses | Our North Tyneside Voice

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

North East MSA 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.

Kind regards,

The Engagement Team

Have your say on the future of North East buses

The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) want to know what you think about their plans for better bus services, so they can 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.

They've heard from thousands of people about what matters most for transport, and are 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, they’d like to know what you think of their plans.

Take part here - Have your say on our buses | Our North Tyneside Voice

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

North East MSA 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.

Kind regards,

The Engagement Team