As one of a series of Mayor Meets events throughout the North East, Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership were invited to officiate at a meeting organised by Prudhoe Labour Party and the North East CA (North East Combined Authority). The meeting gave local people the opportunity to raise issues about public transport with the North East Mayor, Kim McGuiness.
The partnership officer, Fiona Forsythe, oversaw the meeting, also attended by representatives of train operator, Northern, and bus company, Go North East and members of Northumberland County Council’s transport team and North East CA.
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 the 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.
The need for new trains was identified by the Mayor as she responded to the frustrations experienced by rail passengers when trains are cancelled. Carolyn Watson, Northern, accepted that cancellations have been high, but work has been taking place to overcome the causes to provide passengers with the confidence to travel by train.
Accessibility issues were raised, the Mayor acknowledged that public transport is not always accessible, and she said that a public consultation about accessibility issues is to be announced shortly.
Many questions were raised about buses and the Mayor responded that future public control of the buses will provide improvements.
Malcolm Chainey, TVCRP’s Chair said “we were delighted to be involved in the meeting. 
As a DfT accredited community rail partnership we strive to provide a voice for the community. The packed room highlighted how important public transport is to local people. This meeting provided the residents of the Prudhoe and Wylam area to raise issues directly with the North East Mayor, train operator Northern and bus operator Go North East.”
Fiona Forsythe 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, the Community Rail Partnership will continue to work with the rail industry, local authorities, the Mayor and the North East CA as it strives to improve opportunities for sustainable travel for all”.