Residents across the North East are promised from more reliable, punctual and cheaper bus services thanks to more than £45 million of new Government funding designed to improve local transport connections, make travel more affordable and grow the economy. The Department for Transport has confirmed that Transport North East, on behalf of the North East Joint Transport Committee, will receive £45.6 million for the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to improve local services, speed up bus journey times and deliver lower fares.
The move follows the initial Government investment of £117.8 million in the region, bringing total funding to improve bus services in the North East to £163.5 million since 2022. It comes shortly after Transport North East launched a new £1 bus fare for all under 22s and the North East Joint Transport Committee agreed to provide free travel passes for 18-25 care- experienced young people thanks to Government funding.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Tens of thousands of people across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham rely on the bus to get around every day. That’s why we’re confirming over £45 million to improve local bus services and help build the modern, reliable and affordable bus network all residents in the North East deserve. We’ve now invested more than £3.5 billion since 2020 to protect bus routes in England outside London and help people ‘get around for £2’ as we leave no stone unturned to level up transport, help people save money on travel, and grow the economy.”
Councillor Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “I‘m pleased to welcome this funding which brings our region’s total Bus Service Improvement Plan award to £163.5m. Our region came together and created a truly ambitious BSIP, so I’m delighted that our determination to improve the transport network for passengers has been recognised. This funding will help us to bring forward a range of initiatives which make bus travel much more affordable and easier to use for all, as well as allowing us to support the bus industry through some very difficult times in the wake of the recent pandemic.”
