Have your say on public transport in the borough

Press release: An abstract view of the Council crest

North Tyneside residents and local groups are being encouraged to share their ideas on public transport at the next meeting of the North Tyneside Transport Forum on Tuesday night (28 June) in North Shields at the Customer First Centre.

Speakers from regional train operator Northern will be there to update people on their plans for local and regional rail services in the North East over their new franchise, which started in April. The meeting will also get the latest updates on local public transport services and hear details of the public consultation on local transport services delivered by Nexus.

Local bus and Metro operators will be in attendance and there will be the opportunity to raise other public transport-related matters for future consideration. The forum gives people in North Tyneside a chance to share constructive feedback on public transport and promote the use of public transport and its links with cycling and walking. Topics covered at previous forum meetings have included smart ticketing, transport at regional level and engaging with young people about public transport.

Fiona Swindell, chair of the forum, said: “I am pleased that Northern will be coming along to update the meeting on their plans for train services in the region. I look forward to people who live, work or travel by public transport in North Tyneside coming along to the forum to take part in the discussion and hear the latest updates.”

Cllr John Harrison, North Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for housing and transport, said: “Public transport links both within North Tyneside and through the wider region are vital for our local economy.

“Bringing residents, local groups and transport operators together and getting their thoughts, ideas and feedback is really valuable so that we can continue to make informed decisions on the future development of our transport systems.”

The forum is meeting on Tuesday 28 June 2016, 6pm-8pm (tea and coffee from 5.45pm) at North Shields Customer First Centre, Northumberland Square, North Shields, NE30 1QU.

Ends

Notes to editors

Each year people in North Tyneside make over 11 million bus journeys and more than 7 million trips on the Metro while many more use local taxi services and the Shields Ferry. Whether it’s getting to work, visiting friends and relatives or heading for North Tyneside’s coast and visitor attractions, public transport plays a vital role in getting people around the borough.

Main items on the agenda for the 28 June meeting are: a presentation from regional train operator Northern; and the Nexus service review consultation. (Full details of the Nexus service review consultation are available on the Nexus website: www.nexus.org.uk .)