Trial route just the ticket for residents
Councillors from Sunderland’s North Area Committee have worked with bus operator Stagecoach to help deliver better services for local residents.
North Area councillors started working with transport provider Stagecoach, after residents highlighted the fact that the E bus service was not running in the Keel Square area, making it difficult for residents to make their way to the bars and restaurants in the Culture Quarter, as well as attending shows at the popular Empire Theatre.
Local North area councillors met with Stagecoach and have agreed a trial period for a new bus route that will make a stop at Keel Square.
This means that after 6pm, buses will now turn onto St Mary’s Way and stop behind Marks and Spencer, before heading onto a stop near to the Empire, before heading to Holmeside and Fawcett Street.
Labour councillor Julia Jackson, who represents the St Peter’s Ward, said the move would help more people make use of the fastdeveloping city centre.
She said: “We have a fantastic city centre, and it is critical that we encourage people to use it - public transport has a key role to play in that.
“We have had really positive conversations with Stagecoach on behalf of residents in the city, and we look forward to seeing the improved E route being used by more and more people.”