Mayor launches consultation on plans for North East transport
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has urged local people to have their say on a new vision and plans to transform the transport network, as she launches a major public consultation on her Local Transport Plan (LTP).
The region-wide plan sets out her vision for a green, integrated transport system that works for all. Put simply, it lays out her blueprint for a connected network that is simple, affordable, and built to last.
Her goal is to make travel across the North East greener, safer, and more reliable, ensuring it’s accessible to everyone, both physically and financially. The Mayor’s plan will make sustainable travel the first choice for more people and businesses, helping us reduce emissions whilst also improving connections between communities, giving people the skills they need to succeed and creating better wellbeing for all.
The LTP is structured around five key areas; journey planning and customer support, ticketing and fares, expanding infrastructure and increasing its resilience, enhancing safety, especially for women and girls, and improving links between different modes of transport. With a clear delivery plan up to 2040, it sets the path for overcoming current challenges and creating a more efficient, resilient transport network for the future.
People are being asked to share their views on the draft vision between Monday 4 November and 26 January 2025. They can do this by completing an online survey or visiting the North East CA website to find out more about how they can get involved over the next 12 weeks.
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:
“My Local Transport Plan is unapologetically ambitious – I want to make the North East the home of real opportunity and to do that, we need to invest and improve our transport network for all.
“I know transport is a huge enabler for local people and how we travel across the region every day is hugely impactful to all of our lives. I speak to people every day about problems they face with the buses, or congested roads or infrastructure which urgently needs upgrading – we are serious about delivering more impactful change than ever before and I am determined to deliver improvements for local people. We deserve a world-class green transport network.
“Whether you drive, use public transport or walk and cycle, your views are incredibly important and I want to hear what you think. Please get involved – fill in the survey or attend one of the consultation events and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Let's create an ambitious plan together to grow and invest in our transport network so it can be truly transformational.”
Having worked collaboratively with colleagues across the region, the Mayor’s Local Transport Plan and an accompanying proposed Delivery Plan includes plans to:
• Take buses back into public control and deliver a truly integrated transport network.
• Improve the safety of women and girls and other vulnerable groups including more Metro gatelines, safer stops and shelters, and an accessibility review by 2027.
• Expand and improve transport infrastructure – including investment in the shields ferry, Metro and across the bus network - including new stations, as well as maintenance and renewals.
• Provide free travel for under 18s and deliver ‘tap on tap off’ contactless payments for Metro by 2027 – and region-wide by 2032.
• Fund active travel infrastructure to encourage safe walking, wheeling and cycling and launch a new region-wide e-bike hire scheme.
• Boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure – helping more people to make the switch to low-carbon transport.
• Invest in road and rail – including the re-opening of the Leamside Line, extending the Metro to Washington, upgrading the East Coast Main Line, A1 dualling from Ellingham to Scotland and other junction upgrades.
How to get involved
Local people can get involved in the consultation in a number of ways between 4 November 2024 and 26 January 2025.
• Find out more about the Mayor’s Local Transport Plan and fill in the survey online at northeast-ca.gov.uk/localtransportplan
• Write to us at North East Combined Authority, The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BZ
• Send us an email haveyoursay@northeast-ca.gov.uk
• Call us on 0191 277 7010
• Attend one of the many region-wide in person consultation events planned. Find out more about drop in events at northeast-ca.gov.uk/localtransportplan