I have been supporting local Labour Councillors in their opposition to the planned cut of the Q3 bus service between St Peter’s Basin and Wallsend. The slew of service cuts in Newcastle, which has disproportionately hit Walker (where three services have been cut), comes at a time when more people should be encouraged on to public transport to reduce air pollution. The Government’s ‘Bus Back Better’ strategy and Levelling-Up agenda have not delivered for people in East Newcastle. Despite cuts to services, bus companies continue to make enormous profits and pay out to their shareholders. I believe that bus services should be operated for the public good.

I have written to Martin Gilbert, Managing Director at Go North East, and Tobyn Hughes, Managing Director at Transport North East, asking for the reasoning behind the cut of the Q3 and for efforts to save it.