The council has welcomed news of a £45m funding boost to bus services in the region. 
 

Residents in the county and across the North East are set to benefit from more reliable, punctual and cheaper bus services thanks to new Government funding to improve local transport connections, make travel more affordable and grow the economy. 
 

The Department for Transport has confirmed that Transport North East, on behalf of the North East Joint Transport Committee, will receive £45.6 million for the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to improve local bus services, speed up bus journey times and deliver lower fares to help passengers save money on travel. 
 

The move follows the initial Government investment of £117.8 million, bringing total funding to improve bus services in the North East to £163.5 million since 2022. 
 

Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We know how important bus services are in this county and for some residents they are a real lifeline for work or just meeting up with loved ones. 
 

““They’re also a very environmentally-friendly way to travel and as part of our green agenda we would always encourage people to use public transport or give it a try, where they can.   
 

“We’re delighted with this funding boost and look forward to seeing in detail how it will help further improve services in Northumberland.”  
 

Roads Minister Richard Holden added: “Tens of thousands of people across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham rely on the bus to get around every day. That’s why we’re confirming over £45 million to improve local bus services and help build the modern, reliable and affordable bus network all residents in the North East deserve.”  
 

Councillor Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “I‘m pleased to welcome this funding which brings our region’s total Bus Service Improvement Plan award to £163.5m. Our region came together and created a truly ambitious BSIP, so I’m delighted that our determination to improve the transport network for passengers has been recognised. 
 

“This funding will help us to bring forward a range of initiatives which make bus travel much more affordable and easier to use for all, as well as allowing us to support the bus industry through some very difficult times in the wake of the recent pandemic.”