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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 15h

Big day for public transport accessibility today. From 1st Oct ALL buses must have next stop audio announcements and visual display screens installed. Equipment has been installed on many older vehicles so we're looking forward to seeing and hearing it working. reviewmobility.co.uk/news/bus-acc...

reviewmobility.co.uk

Older buses must announce every stop from 1 October 2026 | Review Mobility

From 1 October 2026 the oldest buses on local services must give route and stop information in both audio and visual form. What the rules require, and which vehicles are exempt.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who took the time to have their say in the consultation on bus franchising, by far the biggest consultation on buses that we've seen in the North East. You can read NEPTUG's response on our website: neptug.org.uk/bus-franchis... We look forward to hearing the outcomes.

neptug.org.uk

Our response to the North East Bus Franchising Consultation. - North East Public Transport Users Group

Thank you to everyone who responded positively to the Mayor’s North East Bus Franchising Consultation which closed on Monday 28th September 2026 at 9am.A summary of key points from NEPTUG’s response c...

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Today's the day! You've got less than 24 hours to make sure you have your say in the future of bus services in the North East. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring buses back under public control, improving services for all. Please take 5 minutes to respond. Links to help are below.

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Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com · 27/09/2026

Too often, public transportation agencies think their responsibility begins and ends at the turnstile. Dutch railways have increasingly embraced the idea they are part of a door-to-door mobility system—one that includes walking, cycling, bike parking, and shared micromobility. youtu.be/ZuiyDEkyPW0

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Paul ツ @lf-p.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

We deserve better buses in the North East! Currently there’s a vast range of complicated operator-specific tickets, an array of confusing route names & colours, and MANY duplicated route numbers! (There’s four DIFFERENT number 10s in Newcastle city centre for God’s sake!)

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

This weekend is your last chance to have your say in the North East bus franchising scheme consultation. The proposed scheme seeks to return our bus services to public control - the biggest change to bus services in our region for 40 years. Please take the time to respond this weekend! Links below.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Digital exclusion on public transport is an important issue. Bus operators increasingly push passengers to "just use the app" but for many this means missing out of discounted tickets, realtime information, or service updates. We need to ensure people can still travel affordably without smartphones.

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Campaign for Better Transport @bettertransport.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

🚌It's Bus Users UK's #CatchTheBusMonth. This year's theme? #MythBusting ❌Myth: “Buses are dirty and polluting” ✔️Truth: Buses are cleaner per passenger than cars and one full bus can take up to 75 cars off the road So why not get on board 🚌💚 #CTBM26 #MDYB26

Passengers of various ages seated inside a clean, modern bus highlighting the environmental benefits of bus travel.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

We'd like to know which bus service that was! Free transport for children can have a huge impact on family finances. Getting children into the habit of using public transport helps to create public transport users for life.

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Steve Chambers @planningtransport.co.uk · 25/09/2026

Well this has been in the works for a long time. Might have happened a decade ago if a clause hadn't been added to the 2017 buses act to preserve the legacy of Thatcher. www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...

standard.co.uk

Sadiq Khan puts London buses back into public ownership for first time in 30 years

Buses for London will first run services on Route 6 between Victoria Station and Willesden and may be rolled out across the capital

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Haven't had your say on the future of the North East's buses yet? It's now or never! Please fill in the consultation to call for public control, integration with other public transport modes, simpler fares, and more bus priority! The consultation closes at 9am on Monday. Important links below⬇️

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

It's definitely #TimeforTrams in the North East, to give people access to efficient, reliable public transport beyond the area served by the Tyne and Wear Metro. Areas like the West End of Newcastle, Team Valley and Bensham in Gateshead, or Ryhope in Sunderland, trams would transform lives. Why not?

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North East Bylines @northeastbylines.co.uk · 24/09/2026

We are now in the last few days of the consultation on bus franchising in the North East. Monday 28 September at 9am is the last opportunity to take part | Peter Sagar

northeastbylines.co.uk

North East bus consultation – last few days!

We are now in the last few days of the consultation on bus franchising in the North East. Monday 28 September at 9am is the last opportunity to take part

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Traffic congestion is the root cause of delays to bus services everywhere. In the North East, we've seen timetables getting slower and slower as car use has climbed higher and higher. Time for local authorities to build promised bus priority infrastructure! www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-i...

theguardian.com

London buses in decline? Why public transport in global cities is slowing to a crawl – visualised

As experts fear for future of UK capital’s bus network, some commuters are giving up entirely. London is not alone – with worrying implications for poorest in society

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space4gosforth.bsky.social @space4gosforth.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

“That traffic causes congestion & we all know how often the A1 completely stops and traffic ceases to move.” Doesn’t Cllr Sanderson understand that if the A1 is dualled that will lead to even more traffic (& congestion) via induced demand? He still hasn’t explained where the Gvt can find billions.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Bus late again this morning? Forced to drive because the journey to work would take twice as long by bus? Well you've only got one more week to have your say in the North East bus branching consultation! Please respond and call for better buses across our region. Link and pointers below!

A graphic reminding people that the consultation closes in one week.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Yes, they do need help. But the best form of help is to free people from car dependency, allowing them to live their lives without being forced into expensive car ownership an a reliance on volatile fossil fuel prices. Raise fuel duty, use it to subsidise bus fares and improve services.

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space4gosforth.bsky.social @space4gosforth.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

This would also be good for the NE. Wondering what infrastructure we would need. Reopening the Leamside Route is the obvious one.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

We're very worried about the impact that antisocial behaviour is having on the ability of people in Blakelaw to use public transport. Whilst we understand concerns about the safety of bus drivers and passengers, people rely on bus services to get around. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Blakelaw bus diversions in Newcastle due to safety concerns

Blakelaw residents say people are scared to leave their homes on an evening.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The Movement Strategy is meant to set the direction for transport in Newcastle. Many of us spent a long time responding to the consultation and trying to move things (no pun intended) in the right direction. We haven't seen any monthly updates. @oburbidge.bsky.social @nickhartleygreen.bsky.social

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The consultation on bus reform in the North East closes two weeks today. Please be sure to have your say, explaining the issues that you face with current bus services, and how integration and democratisation could make buses better for you!

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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

“One mile on a bike is a $.42 economic gain to society, one mile driving is a $.20 loss.” “Which means that Copenhagen, a city of 1.2 million people, saves $357 million a year on health costs because something like 80% of its population commutes by bike.” #CityMakingMath Some costs are savings.

Screenshot of article with same text as post. Photo of Copenhagen bike-lane filled with people riding bikes.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

We agree that the Pop card needs to be adopted across all local bus, metro, and rail services as quickly as possible, alongside acceptance of contactless payments. Barriers to public transport use must be removed,and simple, seamless, integrated ticketing would help with this. What's the hold-up?

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

⏰ Only 3 weeks left to have your say and support bus franchising in the North East. It’s time to take back control of our buses. For more info see OUR site: betterbusesne.org.uk Want BETTER BUSES? Speak up now, at: www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation... 👩‍💻 📱

betterbusesne.org.uk

Home - Better Buses North East

We’re calling for bus services in the North East of England to be returned to public control. Let’s follow the example of Manchester and London and bring back integrated transport for the people of th...

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The density at which new housing is developed is a crucial factor in the viability of public transport use. Please sign and share this petition to push for an increase from low-denity, car-dependent housing around railway stations to help lock in public transport use.

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Paul ツ @lf-p.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Yes! Absolutely have to #KeepItCalvert!

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

We agree, @garethdennis.uk, we hope the “Angel Network” is simply an overall name and that it does NOT replace our iconic Calvert identity, i.e. Metro’s typeface & M logo, AND associated Buses & Ferry logos designed to give a cohesive look across all modes! @railnatter.uk: youtu.be/ePNvcXJ6Na8?...

youtu.be

What's Happening To The Tyne & Wear Metro? | #NEWS

YouTube video by Gareth Dennis

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The Mayor’s bus consultation closes this month! The North East deserves BETTER BUSES, so please grasp this opportunity and support bus franchising! For more info see OUR site: betterbusesne.org.uk Have your say on the Mayor’s site, here: www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation... 👩‍💻 📱

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Details have been released for planned new stations on the Washington Metro extension, with a series of consultation events planned. We encourage people to get along and see the plans - ask for good integration with local bus services and active travel infrastructure. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Tyne and Wear Metro Washington extension events planned

Nexus announces 14 public events to get feedback on plans for the Tyne and Wear Metro extension.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

www.gov.uk/government/n... We welcome action to remove restrictions for disabled bus pass holders from April. This is a small step in improving accessibility to public transport for people with disabilities but a 24/7 bus pass is no good if bus services are either inadequate or non-existent. 1/2

gov.uk

Free bus travel 24/7 for disabled people as Prime Minister takes further action to ease cost of living

Eligible disabled people across England will get free bus travel all day, every day, after the Prime Minister announced today (Tuesday 18 August) that the government will lift time restrictions on con...

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

It is such a retrograde 1960s idea to turn valuable land near a Metro station and major bus routes into a surface car park for 68 cars. This could be a high density mixed use development with much-needed housing and community facilities. Hopefully planners will stand up to developers and say no.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Building high density housing (with limited car parking!) around railway stations makes sense, assuming those stations have good rail connections. Higher frequencies at stations in the North East, particularly on the East Coast mainline, could unlock sustainable development for much-needed housing.

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Mark Nelson @sphericalsquare.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Public data shows that if drivers used the park and ride car parks on the Metro system, which has a station in Tynemouth, they wouldn't get fined at all. It would be helpful if the ~400 space Northumberland Park car park reopened, which has been shut for a year too.

I column chart showing occupancy at Four Lane Ends Park and Ride site. Peak occupancy is about 80 of 475 available spaces on Saturday 15th August 2026.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Passengers continue to raise concerns with us about the temperature on the new Metro trains. @my-metro.bsky.social tell us the system is working as intended, so is the temperature set to be uncomfortably warm on purpose? We will continue to seek answers on how comfort can be improved for passengers.

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space4gosforth.bsky.social @space4gosforth.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

We know that pedestrianisation works in Newcastle & has been good for business (because it was all documented as part of the Grainger Town Project). Blackett Street is a major event space in the city with the Christmas market at the Monument & Tiny Toon in Eldon Square - it needs pedestrianising.

spaceforgosforth.com

Blackett Street - SPACE for Gosforth

Newcastle City Council have proposed that Blackett Street and parts of New Bridge Street are made into a pedestrian area linking Northumberland Street, Monument and Old Eldon Square. This blog is our ...

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The transport situation in Newcastle city centre is a mess. A red route on Blackett Street might stop illegal parking, but won't stop drivers of taxis and private vehicles using the route (as in the photo below), delaying bus services. Enforcement is needed. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...

chroniclelive.co.uk

Call to revive Newcastle pedestrianisation plans and end 'dysfunctional mess'

After the announcement of new restrictions on Blackett Street, campaigners are urging Newcastle City Council to revisit a bold transformation of the city centre's road network

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

We are encouraging the public to respond positively to the Mayor’s Bus Franchising Consultation. We want an integrated, reliable, affordable, simple to use network. For more info, see our site: betterbusesne.org.uk Have your say! Show your support at www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation...

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

A chance for public transport users in the North East to join a discussion with Mayor Kim McGuinness on the future of buses in the region. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mayor-meet... If you're able to, please get along to Redhills in Durham on the 23rd of July to let the Mayor know what you think!

eventbrite.co.uk

Mayor Meets: Future of North East buses

Join North East Mayor Kim McGuinness for a local conversation on the future of bus services in our region.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Great thread and blog by our friends at @space4gosforth.bsky.social on why they support bus franchising in the North East. If you support taking back buses into public control, then make sure you respond to the consultation to say so! www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation...

northeast-ca.gov.uk

Consultations

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Kai @greenkai.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Making the the East Coast Main Line have 4 tracks to Morpeth or even Alnwick would be a great option instead. It would allow more local stopping services, new stations and reduce the number of cars traveling up the A1 making it safer. The mayor should lobby for this over polluting road schemes.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

We are concerned that many Northumberland politicians are creating the impression that dualling alone can solve safety issues on the A1 and save the Northumberland economy. Investment in speed cameras and improved public transport could achieve the same aims. northeastbylines.co.uk/news/transpo...

northeastbylines.co.uk

Transport group claim A1 dualling campaign ‘could cost more lives’ and call for average speed cameras

“We are concerned that many Northumberland politicians are creating the impression that dualling alone can solve safety issues on the A1 and save the Northumberland economy"

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

We spoke to @itvnews.bsky.social Tyne Tees today to make the case for why bus reform in the North East is a vital step towards a London-style integrated transport system with seamless fares and joined-up services. Please respond positively to the NEMSA consultation. www.itv.com/watch/news/c...

itv.com

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Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

For NE folk, the consultation is open here (until 28th Sept): www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation... Given the recent shifts in the region's political landscape, as much vocal explict support for franchising and for better buses as possible is desperately needed.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Today is a huge day for public transport in the North East. After many years of campaigning, this morning the consultation on returning our buses to public control launches. It's vital that everyone across the region has their say and supports bus reform. 1/3 www.facebook.com/share/v/14q6...

facebook.com

Facebook

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Bus stops (and their shelters) are a vital piece of our public transport infrastructure. Sadly in Newcastle we've had bus shelters out of action for over 18 months because they were installed incorrectly, meaning they're very difficult for wheelchair users to access. Bus users deserve better!

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

We recently talked to @danhollandnews.bsky.social about the end of the original Tyne and Wear Metro trains. We look at their final departure with a mix of sadness and relief. If you want to have a last ride on the old trains, 26th of June is the final day! www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...

chroniclelive.co.uk

Goodbye to old Metro trains will be sad - but we've waited too long for change

The last of the Tyne and Wear Metro's old trains are due to be decommissioned this month, having clocked up around half a billion kilometres since the system launched in 1980

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

You would think that there might be a policy in place to ensure that spare land multi-modal transport hubs is used appropriately. Building a drive-thru coffee shop, inducing more car traffic and potentially delaying bus services, doesn't seem like a sensible option. Why not high-density housing?

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Happy birthday to Margaret Calvert, designer of our iconic Tyne and Wear Metro 'M' logo and typeface (which is named after her). We'd love to see her design adopted right across the North East region to bring consistency and clarity to public transport.

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