Members of the public are being asked to share their views on buses in the North East by joining the Big Bus Conversation – a region-wide campaign which will help to inform delivery of major bus improvements using Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding. The Big Bus Conversation first launched in July 2021, and helped to shape the BSIP funding bid, following the publication of the government’s ‘Bus Back Better’ National Bus Strategy in March 2021.

The BSIP is refreshed annually and transport leaders hope the public will take the opportunity to have their say on the network, sharing their experiences and ideas for improvements in the near future.

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said:

“The bus network is the most used form of public transport in our region, accounting for millions of journeys each year.

“When we ran the first Big Bus Conversation in 2021, we heard that cheaper fares and more frequent buses were a priority for local people, and we were determined to make this a reality. Thanks to the region’s BSIP funding we’ve seen affordable fares launch this year including the national £2 fare initiative, and the region’s new 21 and under £1 fare. Affordable adult day fares will be coming this September, and we are also investing in multiple projects which aim to make buses more reliable and journey times faster.

“We are keen to continue to hear from the public as we progress through plans, so that we can transform the bus network into something which is the natural first choice for travel in our region. Please let us know what you think, how we should improve, and what is important to you; it doesn’t matter if you use the bus daily, or if you can’t remember the last time you used a bus. We want to engage with all communities across the region through the Big Bus Conversation.”

To find out more about the Big Bus Conversation, fill in the online survey or share your suggestions visit www.transportnortheast.gov.uk/bigbusconversation2023/ before the campaign closes on Friday 8 September 2023.

Pop up events will be taking place across the region this August – full information coming soon.

For more information visit www.transportnortheast.gov.uk/bigbusconversation2023/