Cheaper public transport fares taking North East passengers anywhere from Berwick to Barnard Castle are set to be rolled out.
The cut-price offers will mean that people will be able to use one ticket to travel across different bus operators, the Tyne and Wear Metro, and the Shields Ferry for a flat fare – with under-22s given an even bigger discount providing unlimited daily travel for just £3. The move is part of a £163.5m package of upgrades that will also include the building of a “major” new park and ride site somewhere in the North East and commitments to to improve bus services’ frequency and hours.
Young people will be able to get their new, cheaper fares this spring, while the adult tickets are expected to be introduced later this year. While the move was hailed as “fantastic news for bus users” as it was signed off by politicians on Tuesday, the mood was not entirely harmonious – with one council leader still accusing private bus operators of “profiteering”.
