GPNA Meeting BUS UPDATE – UPDATED

Please find the link below to download the meeting notes updated with comments from Pamela Holmes, Assistant Director for Transport at Newcastle City Council, click the highlighted sections of text if the comments don’t show alongside the document:

 **Important Bus Update** 

Dear Amazing Great Park Residents,

We’ve heard your concerns loud and clear regarding the recent bus route changes, especially the Q3 service by Go North East. Over the past two weeks, we’ve received more than 250 queries and complaints, and I want to address these directly.

Key Points from the Recent Meeting this morning at the Civic Centre (Link to meeting notes below):

1. Lack of Consultation:

– The promised consultation from early June didn’t happen, violating the Public Service Act 2010.

– Stagecoach’s premature release of information undermined transparent engagement.

2. Impact on Our Community:

– The new routes have severed vital transport links, affecting NHS workers, students, parents, and those reliant on public transport.

– Approximately 2000 residents are impacted by reduced evening and Sunday services.

– Increased car usage due to these changes will worsen congestion and emissions especially through Gosforth High Street.

3. Financial and Safety Concerns:

– The financial burden on residents who must seek alternative transport options.

– New bus stop locations raise safety concerns due to the absence of safe walking routes.

4. Demand for Transparency:

– We asked for access to the cost-benefit analysis that justified these decisions.

– Clarification on compliance with S106 agreements and the use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.

5. Communication Breakdown:

– Go North East was unaware of changes to routes 49 and X47, highlighting serious communication issues.

Next Steps:

– We expect a full response to these concerns and a commitment to restoring essential bus services.

– The Q3x route has been extended to run through Warkworth Woods and Melbury to the city centre, but it won’t cross into Great Park over the A1 bridge to protect the viability of new X47 and 49 routes.

– Engagement sessions will be held today (30.07.24) at the Great Park Community Centre from 2 pm to 6 pm. Further evening sessions are being considered.

How You Can Help:

– Please continue voicing your concerns to local councillors.

– Share your feedback to ensure our voices are heard and our community’s needs are met.