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- 31st Jul 2026
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Here’s why the North East’s bus shake-up matters to you
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Every bus journey you’ve ever moaned about, the one that never turns up, the route that got axed, the fare that crept up again, is now up for debate.
The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) has launched a public consultation asking whether more than 500 bus routes should come back under public control, in what would be the biggest change to the region’s transport in four decades.
ON THE ROAD TO BETTER BUS SERVICES
Mayor Kim McGuinness wants to bring buses back under public control for the first time since the 1980s. Right now, private operators decide routes, timetables and fares. Under the proposed Bus Franchising Scheme, that power would shift to public authorities led by the Mayor, with bus companies running services under contract instead of as independent commercial operators.
It’s a model that’s already changing things in Greater Manchester, and it’s on its way in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Liverpool and the West Midlands too. London’s been doing it since the 1980s.
WHY THIS IS HAPPENING NOW
Since 2010, the North East’s bus network has shrunk by almost a third. Routes have gone less frequent, evening and weekend services have disappeared, and some have been cut altogether. The £2.50 Mayor’s Fare has softened the blow a bit, but it hasn’t reversed the decline.
Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “When I was elected Mayor, I made it my first priority to bring buses under public control so they work better for the people who rely on them. I know too many people feel buses aren’t reliable, affordable or easy to use. I want to change that and give people the world class public transport we deserve.”
Bus is still the region’s most-used form of public transport by a mile, with more than 115 million journeys made in 2024/25. The argument is that franchising could stop the slide and actually grow the network again, with a 10-year commitment to protect services from further cuts.
WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR YOUR COMMUTE
If the scheme goes ahead, you could see simpler tickets that offer better value, and timetables planned properly so buses, trains and the Metro actually connect instead of leaving you stranded on a platform. There’s the promise of more consistent safety standards across operators, one place to check journey information instead of hunting through different apps and websites, and a clearer, more recognisable network identity so you know what you’re getting into before you board. It also opens up more say for local people and communities in how the network changes in future.
THE BIT NOBODY’S GLOSSING OVER
It’s not all upside, and the MSA is upfront about that. Taking buses under public control means the Mayoral Strategic Authority also takes on the financial risk, managing costs, fare income and subsidy, while keeping around 317,500 daily bus passengers informed, safe and looked after across more than 500 routes. That’s a serious amount of responsibility to hand over, and it’s exactly what this consultation wants your view on.
Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, said: “We are asking people what they think of our proposals to bring buses back under public control through a franchise, compared to continuing to work under the current partnership with private companies. We want people across the North East to consider our plans, including the new responsibilities and risks we would take on. Feedback from this consultation will be considered in detail before the Mayor and cabinet decide on whether to proceed with the proposed Bus Franchising Scheme.”
The MSA has already weighed the franchising option against sticking with the current Enhanced Partnership between councils and bus companies, and reckons franchising comes out ahead on value for money, affordability and deliverability. But that’s their assessment, not the final word, which is where you come in.
HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY
This isn’t the first time the region’s been asked about transport. When the Mayor’s Local Transport Plan went out to consultation in 2025, more than 16,000 people across the North East responded, with strong backing for a greener, better-connected network. This consultation is the next chance to shape what actually happens.
It runs until 9am on Monday 28th September 2026, with more than 30 consultation events happening across the North East alongside the online survey. You don’t need to be a regular bus user to have an opinion worth hearing, whether you catch the bus every day, occasionally, or not at all, the MSA wants to know what you think.
You can fill in the survey online, or request a paper form by calling 0191 277 4223.
Whichever way this goes, it’ll shape how the North East gets around for years to come. Might as well have your say while you can.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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