Stagecoach Reverses Decision to Cut Bus Frequency, Community Hails Victory

Strategic Insights -

Locals in South Shields have secured a major victory as Stagecoach has agreed to reinstate a half-hourly bus service to Cleadon Park, following months of campaigning and public outcry. The decision comes as a result of intense pressure from the community, led by South Shields MP Emma Lewell, who wrote to various authorities, including the council, mayor, and secretary of state, to appeal the service cut. The new bus timetable, set to be introduced on August 31, will restore a 30-minute daytime service to Harton Nook and South Shields town centre from The Lonnen and Watson Avenue, while a new 13 service will be added to complement the 12 route.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stagecoach has agreed to reinstate a half-hourly bus service to Cleadon Park, responding to community pressure and criticism from local authorities.
  • The new timetable, set to be introduced on August 31, will restore a 30-minute daytime service to Harton Nook and South Shields town centre.
  • A new 13 service will be added to complement the 12 route, running in one direction via the coast and the other direction via Tyne Dock.
  • Council leaders and Stagecoach officials have acknowledged that the decision to cut the bus service was unsustainable and would cause significant disruption to local residents.
  • The reversal of the decision has been hailed as a victory for the community, with South Tyneside Public Transport Users Group chair Nic Cook stating that the return of a 30-minute service to The Lonnen is "hugely welcomed".
  • However, concerns remain about the lack of consultation with residents and the potential impact on travel options to South Tyneside Hospital.

Statistics:

  • 81-year-old man fell into the road while trying to carry his shopping home on foot, highlighting the need for the reinstatement of the bus service.
  • Stagecoach had cited "disappointing progress" with local authorities' plans to install new bus priority measures as a reason for cutting the 12 service.
  • The new proposal for a half-hourly bus link is expected to have only "modest" extra costs and will not take up any public funds.
  • August 31 is the planned date for the introduction of the new bus timetable.
  • South Shields MP Emma Lewell stated that the decision to cut the bus service "should never have come to this".

Sources:

  • "MP Emma Lewell makes calls for Stagecoach to reinstate 12 bus service after public outcry" [Local Democracy Reporting Service]
  • "South Tyneside Council agenda: Bus services 'not fit for purpose' in plan to charge residents to park" [South Shields Gazette]
  • "North East Mayor Kim McGuinness: Bus company Stagecoach 'listened' after backlash over cut to 12 route" [The Journal]
  • "Nexus Commercial Director Helen Mathews: 'We've worked closely with Stagecoach on this vital local bus service'" [ChronicleLive]