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- 21st Aug 2026
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How this 2-minute survey could win you a Northumberland break, river cruise or meal at Blackfriars
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The North East bus consultation closes at 9am on Monday 28th September 2026, and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) wants to hear from everyone in the region, whether you catch the bus every day or never at all.
It couldn’t be easier to be in with a chance of winning. Once you’ve had your say in the survey, which takes just two minutes, you’re automatically entered into the prize draw for one of three treats, as a thank you for taking part.
WHAT YOU COULD WIN
Complete the survey and you’re automatically entered into the prize draw for three treats across the region.
Here’s what’s up for grabs: a luxury two-night stay in either Brock or Howlet at TipToe Retreat, excluding bank holidays, Christmas, Easter and New Year; a Tyne Cruises city cruise for two, a one-hour sailing along the Tyne, valid on any regular cruise before the end of the year, though not the Santa or Halloween sailings; and a three-course lunch for two at Blackfriars, with a glass of fizz each to toast whichever way you voted.
Winners are picked at random after the consultation closes, and none of the prizes can be transferred.
WHY THE REGION’S BUSES ARE UP FOR DEBATE
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 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. Here’s everything you need to know.
Bus services in the North East have been deregulated since the 1980s, meaning private operators generally decide routes, timetables and fares. Under the proposed Bus Franchising Scheme, that power would shift to the MSA, with bus companies running services under contract instead of as independent commercial operators, a model already in place in London and Greater Manchester.
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.”
Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East
WHAT COULD CHANGE FOR YOUR COMMUTE
If the scheme goes ahead, the MSA would set fares and decide ticket types, with a commitment that fares won’t rise above inflation for 10 years from day one. Routes and timetables would be planned so buses, trains and the Metro actually connect, safety standards would be set across the whole network rather than varying by operator, and one website and app would cover journey information instead of several. The whole network would sit under a single identity, the Angel Network, and residents would get more say in how services change in future.
THE RISKS WORTH WEIGHING UP
It’s not all upside, and the MSA is upfront about that. Franchising would transfer significant financial responsibility to the authority, which would need to meet operators’ costs, estimated at around £230 million a year at today’s prices, and manage fare income, subsidy and any shortfall. That’s exactly what the consultation wants your view on, alongside the improvements on offer.
“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.”
Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority
HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY AND ENTER
You can respond online, by requesting a paper form, over the phone, by email or letter, or in person at one of more than 30 events running across the North East before the deadline. Paper forms and phone responses are available by calling 0191 277 4223.
Once your survey is complete, head to the competition page and pop in your details to be entered into the draw.
The MSA has said a final decision on franchising is expected in early 2027. Whichever way you lean on it, this consultation shapes how the North East gets around for years to come, and there’s a lunch, a cruise and a countryside stay up for grabs while you have your say.
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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