Go North East slammed for changes to Sunderland bus timetable

Effective from June 1, there are changes to the 38 service at Tunstall Bank estate, 33/33A serving the docks and the 238 service between the city centre and Houghton.

Deputy leader of Sunderland City Council and cabinet member for environment and transport, Councillor Michael Mordey, has slammed the changes.

He said: "These permanent changes have come at short notice at a time when good transport links for key workers are so essential.

"As the country and city begins to step out of the Covid lockdown, this is going to create confusion and inconvenience for many residents as they return to their work, education or leisure.

"For example, in my Hendon ward people waiting for a bus on the docks service will be expecting a 33 bus when a 38 turns up.

"People travelling from the East End to Silksworth will have to change buses when previously one covered the whole journey.

"Given the scale of current public funding for the bus industry, Go North East are in effect operating services under a management agreement with the public sector and local councils.

"These aren’t purely commercial services anymore. In the circumstances, I would have expected them to have a moral and ethical duty (if not a legal requirement) to consult with councils and communities on any proposed changes, not just announce them.

However, Go North East say the 938 replaces the 38, the 38/38A replaces the 33/33A running at the same frequency and hours, while the 238 is replaced by a half-hourly 38.

Stephen King, Go North East commercial director, said: “Plans have long been in place for some network changes from May 17, with local authority officers and members consulted back at the start of March and further changes made following their feedback.

“As the local bus network starts re-building towards near normal levels these discussions were re-opened with Local Transport Authority officers at Nexus and, over the past few weeks, further changes have been made that reflect current challenges and, importantly, passenger demand.”

Passengers are advised to consult Go North East’s website for timetable information.

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