PASSENGERS URGED TO ‘GET YOUR BUM ON BOARD’ AS MORE IMPROVEMENTS TO REGION’S BUS SERVICES ANNOUNCED

Go North East has announced major improvements to the Tyne Valley Ten and Angel 21 bus services, beginning 1 September 2024. These changes, made possible through the region's Bus Service Improvement Plan, will offer more frequent buses and increased capacity on these popular routes.

Tyne Valley Ten: More Buses, Less Waiting

From 1 September, the Tyne Valley Ten (which includes services 10, 10A and 10B) will run up to every 12 minutes between Newcastle, Metrocentre, and Crawcrook. This means shorter wait times and a 25% increase in capacity. The route will also see an extra bus every hour serving Rockwood Hill and Greenside.

Angel 21: Even More Frequent Service

The Angel 21, one of the region’s most popular routes, will run up to every 7 minutes between Chester-le-Street and Newcastle, via Birtley and Gateshead. Bus lanes on the route mean this service is often quicker than driving. The frequency boost will add over 15,000 extra seats per week, making it easier for passengers to ‘turn up and go.’

Affordable Fares, Better Travel

All these services come with a maximum fare of just £2 for an adult single and £1 for those 21 and under. Day tickets start at £4, and for just £6.80 you can travel all day on any bus in Tyne & Wear, County Durham and Northumberland, and on the Metro and the Shields Ferry.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said: “In July, we approved over £101.2m of improvements for our region’s buses and I’m pleased that the funding is already making a huge difference for passengers. Our Bus Service Improvement Plan is helping to offer more frequent buses for passengers using the Tyne Valley Ten and Angel 21 services. This investment will see thousands of extra seats available each week for local people which is great news.

“I want to help people access more opportunities – whether that’s for education, leisure or employment, and good-quality, frequent public transport is a huge part of how we achieve this.”

Ben Maxfield, Business Director for Go North East, said: “These improvements have been carefully designed with passengers in mind, ensuring that services are more frequent, reliable, and better value than ever before. Whether you're commuting, shopping, or simply exploring, our message is clear: ‘Get your bum on board’ and enjoy the ride.”

These improvements are the result of partnership work between Go North East, Nexus, and the North East Combined Authority to make this happen.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas.

The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all.

For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.

Press and media contacts:

Ben Maxfield

Business Director, Go North East

ben.maxfield@gonortheast.co.uk

Telephone: 07890 436531