Stagecoach North East is introducing a reduced fare and a number of revised routes for its customers in Newcastle who will be affected by the major building works at South Gosforth and Haddricks Mill over the coming months.
In order to minimise the impact for its passengers and provide the most efficient transport service, the local bus operator has worked in partnership with Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, Nexus and other highways authorities to develop a revised programme of bus services.
From 20th July until Spring 2018, works will begin in these areas to replace the Metro bridge and widen the road which leads on to Haddricks Mill roundabouts in South Gosforth, including the temporary closure of Killingworth Road.
As part of the programme to support passengers on affected routes during this major period of works and road improvements, Stagecoach North East will be offering a reduced fare for its X63 and 62, 63 services, from Killingworth, Benton and Quorum Business Park to Newcastle City Centre
A new ‘route-specific’ megarider will be offered at the promotional rate of £10 for a weekly ticket, which offers a discount of around 25 percent when compared to the cost of a standard Newcastle megarider. The new tickets can be purchased on services X63 and 62, 63 at all points between Killingworth and Longbenton/ Benton, and will be valid for travel between these areas and the city centre only.
Due to the road closure, a number of route changes will have to be made in the area, affecting services X63, 18, 38 and 118. More details and updated timetables can be found here www.stagecoachbus.com
David Parker, Head of Commercial, Stagecoach North East, said: “Working in partnership with the local and highway authorities, we have analysed traffic data from works earlier in the year at the same location. From this analysis we have jointly developed a number of mitigations designed to improve the flow of buses through these areas, including the introduction of ‘bus only’ lanes on approaches to Four Lane Ends.
“We fully support the investment project in Killingworth Road – which will see the introduction of a new bus lane – to further reduce congestion, smooth traffic flow and increase safety on one of the main commuter routes into Newcastle. We will continue to work closely with our colleagues at Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, and Nexus to minimise disruption.
“We understand that there may be delays from these major works, and regret any inconvenience to our customers, but this is a temporary arrangement which will result in a more efficient road system and ultimately improved bus services for our customers.”
Cllr Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality at Newcastle City Council said: “This is a major bridge renewal and highway improvement scheme that will improve connectivity to and from Newcastle.
“As this is such a major closure which will impact on the travelling public across the region, we’ve worked closely with neighbouring authorities, public transport operators and other agencies to put plans in place to minimise disruption. This includes a number of measures such as extra green time on traffic signals to smooth traffic flow, extra provision for public transport, as well as temporary bus lanes to prioritise buses through key junctions.
“We would encourage people to use public transport during the works, reducing the number of vehicles on our roads and this offer from Stagecoach is a great incentive for people to get the bus and further reduce the strain on the network and help keep traffic moving.”
More information on the Killingworth Road improvement scheme can be found here https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/KillingworthRoad
For further information about Stagecoach North East please visit www.stagecoachbus.com