As one of a series of ‘Mayor Meets’ events throughout the north east of England, Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership (CRP) recently officiated a meeting organised by Prudhoe Labour Party and the North East Combined Authority, giving local people the opportunity to raise issues about public transport with the North East Mayor, Kim McGuiness.

Tyne Valley CRP officer Fiona Forsythe oversaw the meeting, which was also attended by representatives of train operator Northern, bus company Go North East, members of Northumberland County Council’s transport team and North East Combined Authority. 

Responding to the first question posed by an audience member, the Mayor said that research had started to see how integrated ticketing could be introduced for travel on trains, the Metro and buses, and she saw a ‘tap-in, tap-out’ system as the long-term aspiration. 

The lack of low-cost tickets for rail and bus travel for young people travelling west of Blaydon was highlighted, as was the need for greater integration of train and bus timetables and the importance of public feedback in helping to design the North East’s transport provision for the future. Other issues raised included the need for new trains, a public consultation around accessibility and the future public control of buses.

A video of the meeting is available on YouTube here.

Fiona Forsythe, development officer for Tyne Valley CRP, said: “I was pleased to help to deliver a successful Mayor Meets event in Prudhoe. The discussions highlighted the importance of public transport to the community. 

“Looking forward, our community rail partnership will continue to work with the rail industry, local authorities, the Mayor and the North East Combined Authority as it strives to improve opportunities for sustainable travel for all.”

Malcolm Chainey, chair of Tyne Valley CRP, said: “We were delighted to be involved in the meeting. As a Department for Transport-accredited community rail partnership, we strive to provide a voice for the community, and the packed room highlighted how important public transport is to local people. 

“This meeting provided the residents of the Prudhoe and Wylam areas to raise issues directly with the North East Mayor, train operator Northern and bus operator Go North East.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Tyne Valley CRP via their website.