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- 23rd Sep 2026
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Last chance to win a Northumberland break, river cruise or three-course meal by having your say on North East buses
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The North East bus consultation closes at 9am this Monday (28th September), so if the survey’s been sitting on your to-do list, this is your nudge.
It takes just two minutes, and completing it is your ticket into a prize draw for a countryside stay at TipToe Retreat, a Tyne Cruises sailing for two, or a three-course lunch at Blackfriars.
The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) wants to hear from everyone in the region, whether you’re on the bus every morning or haven’t stepped on one in years. Your answers help decide whether more than 500 routes come back under public control, so fill in the survey first, then enter the draw as a thank you for taking part.
THREE PRIZES UP FOR GRABS BEFORE MONDAY
First up, there’s a luxury two-night stay in either Brock or Howlet at TipToe Retreat in Northumberland. It’s valid outside bank holidays, Christmas, Easter, and New Year, so there’s plenty of choice when it comes to picking your weekend away.
Then there’s a Tyne Cruises city cruise for two, an hour-long sailing along the river that’s valid on any regular cruise before the end of the year. The Santa and Halloween sailings aren’t included, but that still leaves you a whole autumn to choose from.
And finally, a three-course lunch for two at Blackfriars, with a glass of fizz each to toast whichever way you voted.
There’s one catch, and it’s an easy one. You’ll need to complete the survey before you can enter, so make sure you’ve had your say first.
Only people who’ve completed the consultation survey can enter the draw. Winners are picked at random after the consultation closes, and prizes can’t be transferred.
STILL NOT SURE WHAT YOU’RE VOTING ON?
Here’s the short version. Buses in the North East have been deregulated since the 1980s, which means private operators generally decide routes, timetables, and fares. Under the proposed Bus Franchising Scheme, the MSA would take that power back, with bus companies running services under contract, the same model used in London and Greater Manchester.
It’d be the biggest change to the region’s transport in four decades. If you want the full picture, here’s everything you need to know about the North East bus consultation.
“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.
Kim answers all of our questions on bus franchising in the North East here.
WHAT’S ACTUALLY ON THE TABLE
If the scheme goes ahead, the MSA would set fares, with a promise they won’t rise above inflation for 10 years. Buses, trains, and the Metro would be timed to connect, one app would replace several, and the whole network would run under a single name, the Angel Network.
It’s not all upside, and the MSA is upfront about that. The authority would take on operators’ costs, estimated at around £230 million a year at today’s prices, along with any shortfall in fare income. That trade-off is exactly what it wants your view on.
“We want people across the North East to consider our plans, including the new responsibilities and risks we would take on.”
Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
FILL IN THE SURVEY FIRST, THEN ENTER THE DRAW
The survey comes first, and it really does take just two minutes online. If you’d rather respond by phone or request a paper form, call 0191 277 4223.
Once you’ve submitted your answers, head to the competition page and pop in your details. Skip the survey and your entry won’t count, so it’s worth doing both.
A final decision on franchising is expected in early 2027, but your chance to shape it ends at 9am on Monday. Two minutes, one survey, and a lunch, a cruise, or a Northumberland escape up for grabs.
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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