iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by North East PTUG

We Own It @weownit.org.uk · 09/10/2026

Buses are the most-used form of public transport in England. They were deregulated under Thatcher in 1986, & we've been paying the price ever since., Bus fares have risen over 500% since 1987. Since 2009-10 we've lost 3,300 routes. We need more than public control of buses, we need ownership.

Graphic that highlights four models of bus ownership in the UK from full privatisation to the Manchester model where buses are privately owned but the market is regulated, to the Reading model where the buses are publicly owned but the market is deregulated, and lastly to We Own It's proposed model where the buses are publicly owned and the market is regulated

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

A note for readers: the "hope" that a relief road would alleviate traffic congestion has been the driver for many such schemes for decades. And they never alleviate traffic congestion for long. We need a reliable and affordable public transport system, not more and more roads.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

These CCTV images sum up the frustrating experience for bus passengers travelling between Newcastle and North Tyneside. This is one of a number of key corridors across the North East identified for bus priority investment to reduce the impact of traffic congestion. Much of the money remains unspent.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Rather than proposing bus priority uniformly across the region, the plan focussed on the locations where buses experience the greatest delays due to traffic congestion. The Coast Road is a strategic link between Newcastle and North Tyneside. Bus passengers deserve their own road infrastructure.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

This was the Coast Road, connecting Newcastle and North Tyneside last night. Despite the funding, bus services sit in traffic daily, adding to journey times and reducing reliability. What will it take to change this, if not £163 million? Where is the political will to improve bus services?

Newcastle Coast Road with large queues of traffic in both directions.

Buses trapped in traffic queues on the Coast RoRoad

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

In 2022 the North East was awarded £163 million, the highest in the country, to improve bus services in the region. The BSIP proposals included extensive bus priority corridors, with new and extended bus lanes to protect bus services from traffic congestion. www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/how-we-work/...

northeast-ca.gov.uk

Bus Service Improvement Plan

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Reposted by North East PTUG

Mike Cookson 🔶 🇪🇺🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @mikecookson.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

That's certainly a change from the update the AD and the former Cabinet Member gave to @northeastptug.bsky.social at the Irish Club in August 2025, which I shared at the time. bsky.app/profile/mike...

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

Thanks, Mike. It's outrageous how long this has been allowed to rumble on.

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

Thank you. Is there a timescale for this? In the meantime, disabled bus users are being treated unfairly because drivers cannot deploy ramps to allow them on and off at these stops. A potential discrimination case against the City Council?

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

TWO YEARS on Sunday, Newcastle City Council posted this. For TWO YEARS bus drivers and passengers with mobility issues, pushchairs, wheelchairs and luggage have been inconvenienced by these barriers. Why? When will this finally be resolved, @newcastlelibdems.bsky.social @oburbidge.bsky.social?

Facebook post from Newcastle City Council, 11th of October 2024, announcing that plastic barriers would be installed to protect passengers from incorrectly installed bus shelters. It said "these will be in place while we undertake some site surveys and inspections". They're still there two years later.

Photo of dirty, battered plastic barriers still in situ at a bus stop in Newcastle city centre in October 2026, blocking deployment of wheelchair ramps for bus passengers.

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

We share the frustration about the unreliability of bus services, and the impunity of operators. One of the key outcomes of bus franchising, as in London, will be the ability to hold opetators to account for delays and cancellations. And an incentive for councils to deliver on bus priority lanes!

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Passengers on Arriva's X18 from Berwick to Newcastle pass through many towns and villages along the route but announcements simply refer to "Car Park" or "Sewerage Works". The route information on BusTimes.org pulls far more useful info from NaPTAN. Why not Arriva? bustimes.org/services/x18...

bustimes.org

Bus Times

Bus timetables, maps and tracking

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

It's good to see and hear next stop announcements being rolled out on buses across the region, but we need operators to make sure those announcements are useful to passengers. "Next stop: Roundabout" or "Next stop: Road End" is not good enough. At least include the name of the town or village!

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

If it's not working you can report it to the individual providers or Bus Users UK. Let us know if you've seen this improvement on your journey or if you find any operators are ignoring their obligation to make bus travel more accessible for all.

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North East PTUG @northeastptug.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

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

Whatever the outcome of the consultation, there's still much to be done to improve public transport in the North East. If you are interested in helping to make our public transport more accountable, and have ideas on how to improve services, please join us. neptug.org.uk/site-navigat...

neptug.org.uk

Join NEPTUG - North East Public Transport Users Group

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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

Consultation webpage: www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation...

northeast-ca.gov.uk

Consultations

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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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Reposted by North East PTUG

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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Reposted by North East PTUG

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

Consultation survey here: www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation...

northeast-ca.gov.uk

Consultations

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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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Reposted by North East PTUG

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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Reposted by North East PTUG

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

Link to the North East MSA bus consultation: www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation...

northeast-ca.gov.uk

Consultations

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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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Reposted by North East PTUG

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 · 24/09/2026

The Borders Railway in Scotland is 35 miles long, gained approval in 2006, construction began in 2012, and it opened in 2015. Hard to believe that building a railway 10% of that distance would take four times as long!

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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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Reposted by North East PTUG

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

The consultation is here and closes at 9am on Monday the 28th of September: www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation...

northeast-ca.gov.uk

Consultations

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

On this page we've pulled together some suggestions to help you write your responses to each question. Please take the opportunity to share your own experience of buses in the North East and how much better they could be under public control. betterbusesne.org.uk/consultation...

betterbusesne.org.uk

Consultation Responses - Better Buses North East

Thinking Prompts for the North East Bus Franchising Consultation A NEPTUG resource to help you complete your consultation response About the consultation The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority is ...

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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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Reposted by North East PTUG

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

These trains are marketed by Alstom as "commuter trains". Why are we spending billions on commuter trains with low top speeds to run long-distance intercity services? Even in the 1950s, British Railways knew the importance of providing high quality TP trains. www.railcar.co.uk/type/class-1...

railcar.co.uk

Class 124 DMU

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

We will follow it up with the cabinet member.

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