We ran a public consultation on planned changes to the 643 from 27 November 2017 to 04 January 2018. We received 1 e-mail from a local ward Councillor in Sunniside and 11 e-mails, 4 phone calls and 1 letter from members of the public.



In summary:

- Residents in Sunniside were supportive of the proposal

- Residents in The Lakes Estate (Whickham) were opposed to the revised route through their estate (requesting retention of the route through Coniston Avenue/Orchard Road as opposed to the proposed route via Duckpool Lane)

- Residents on Lambton Avenue and in the Lakes Estate were opposed to the planned frequency reduction

- Residents on Lambton Avenue and in the Lakes Estate were opposed to the planned later start time - with a preference to travel to Whickham Front Street before 10am

- Some residents on Lambton Avenue and in the Lakes Estate were supportive of the extension to/from Sunniside - considering that it would help make the service more sustainable longer term



Next steps:

In light of the feedback received we have decided to introduce a new route/timetable for the 643 with effect from Monday 19th March 2018.



Key features of the proposed new timetable include:

- Frequency of service reduced to hourly and route extended to/from Sunniside

- Planned route revised following consultation

o Existing route retained in the Lakes Estate

o In the Sunniside area to remove duplication with the GNE service 6

- Proposed timetable revised following consultation

o Provision of 0930 trip from Lambton Avenue to Whickham Front Street will continue

o Revised times throughout the day to offer improved co-ordination with GNE service 6 over common sections



For the new 643 timetable/route effective from 19 March 2018 please click on the link below. Passengers should also be aware that revised fares will be introduced on the 643 with effect from the same date – this being part of a wider regional fares review on Nexus funded bus services.



We would like to thank everyone who responded to the consultation for taking the time to provide us with their views.