This September is Catch the Bus Month run by Bus Users UK and the North East is celebrating with the launch of new affordable fares for young people.

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

“I’m thrilled to again be celebrating Catch the Bus Month alongside Bus Users UK, the UK’s champion for passenger rights and advocate for buses.

“Buses are at the heart of the North East transport network and I’m proud of the improvements which we’ve made to the region’s bus network through our Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.

“The bus network is undoubtedly going through a challenging time at the moment, but the need for affordable, accessible and sustainable transport has never been greater. Buses can and will help to ease congestion in towns and cities across the region, as well as improving air quality and supporting a better connected North East – which is why we want taking the bus to be part of everyone’s regular travel habits.

“Through the introduction of the national £2 adult single fare we’ve seen proof that affordable fares increase bus patronage. People want an affordable way to get around. This is why we’ve used part of the £163.5 million in Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding to launch a £1 single fare and a new £3 dayticket for those 21 and under. These tickets have already seen millions of young people take the bus in the North East. Later in 2023, we’re going to launch new affordable adult daytickets so it’s an exciting time for public transport.

“If you haven’t been on a bus for a while or might be new to them entirely, I encourage residents to use public transport during Catch the Bus Month and enjoy an affordable and sustainable way to explore the region.”

Transport North East’s cheaper multi-modal and regional tickets for under 22s are capped at £1 for single bus journeys and £3 for a dayticket – allowing unlimited daily travel by bus, Metro and Ferry in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham.

Adult multi-modal fares promotions will also launch later this year thanks to the region’s bus funding. 

Heather Jones, Head of Enhanced Partnerships, Transport North East, said:

“I’m delighting to be celebrating another year of Catch the Bus Month with Transport North East.

“Buses are hugely important and we are really pleased the North East secured a major investment in our bus networking through the BSIP.

“The last few months has seen the launch of the 21 and under £1 bus fare which has proven to be extremely popular amongst young people in the region. Following feedback from bus users and operators, we’re now thrilled to have launched a £3 day ticket for young people aged 21 and under which allows unlimited transport via bus, Ferry or Metro in the region. Later in the autumn, we’ll launch the affordable new adult fares in County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland – another way for people to get around cheaper and greener, aligning with our vision to move to a green, healthy, dynamic and thriving North East.”

Buses are good for our health, good for the economy and good for the environment. Pre-Covid, bus passengers boosted the UK economy by £64 billion each year, as well as reducing congestion, pollution, loneliness and social isolation. We hope that our new, affordable ticket offers will encourage more car users to catch the bus this September!

Claire Walters, Chief Executive, Bus Users UK (the charity behind Catch the Bus Month), said:

“Buses are a lifeline for millions and bring huge health, social and environmental benefits to us all. As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, we need affordable, sustainable transport more than ever so it’s great to see Transport North East celebrating these vital services and encouraging more people to get on board.”

For more information about our work on the North East bus network please visit www.transportnortheast.gov.uk

To find out more about Catch the Bus Month visit www.bususers.org/catchthebusmonth or email catchthebus@bususers.org