Introduction

When we developed the Mayor’s Local Transport Plan in 2025, more than 16,000 people across the North East told us what matters to them most for transport, and strong support emerged for a greener, more integrated network that works for all. We have listened, and we are now considering changes to how bus services are planned and delivered.

How buses are currently managed

Buses are currently deregulated, meaning private bus companies set routes, timetables, fares and service standards. An ‘Enhanced Partnership’ is in place, where the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA), local authorities and bus companies work together to deliver improvements to bus services. However, bus companies still retain control over key decisions.

What is being proposed

This consultation asks for your views on our proposals to introduce a Bus Franchising Scheme, which we have set out in the Franchising Scheme Assessment (FSA) – known as the Assessment. If the proposed Bus Franchising Scheme is introduced, the public would have more say over services, timetables, routes and fares, with bus companies contracted by the North East MSA to deliver franchised services.

What does this mean for you?
  • Simpler tickets and better value for money.
  • Routes and timetables would be planned more consistently, helping buses connect better across the network and reducing cuts.
  • Consistent and increased safety measures.
  • One place to find information.
  • One recognisable brand to help passengers travel with confidence.
  • Greater ability for local people to influence the bus network and have their say.
  • More public control over how buses are planned and delivered, focusing on people, not profit.
  • Financial responsibility which will need to be managed carefully but gives the public sector the ability to strengthen and improve the bus network as well as making better use of public money.
Alongside financial responsibility, introducing bus franchising will mean that other important responsibilities must be managed by the MSA. This includes keeping around 317,500 bus passengers a day informed and satisfied with their journeys across more than 500 individual bus routes.

Further detail on the advantages and disadvantages associated with each option, and how these are being considered can be found here

To have your say please follow the instructions within the survey below. Please note that the consultation will close at 9am on Monday 28th September 2026. If you need any further support, please click here.

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