This article popped up today
https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/25...s-service/
Text is
A public meeting has focused on improving a town's bus service
Residents of Haltwhistle gathered at the library's Community Hub on Friday, March 14 to discuss the future of the 685 bus service.
The meeting was organised as a follow-up to a public transport consultation held on January 17.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Transport of the North East Combined Authority (NECA), attended in an official capacity.
The event was hosted by Rachel Mathieson, Labour candidate for the upcoming council elections.
Cllr Gannon highlighted that the 685 bus service is currently a private enterprise, limiting NECA's influence.
However, he noted that this would change in the coming years as the Mayor, Kim McGuinness, and NECA are set to take some control over bus services.
The meeting concluded with the decision to establish a Public Transport Action Group.
The group aims to 'maintain momentum' and exert pressure on Stagecoach and Northumberland County Council for immediate changes.
These changes include real-time bus arrival times at stops, an easier payment system, a review of the 685 service timetable, and ensuring enough capacity for schoolchildren during peak hours.
Rachel Mathieson will lead the Public Transport Action Group, and will organise a follow-up meeting with representatives from Stagecoach and Northumberland County Council.
Any comments?
Is this a pre-emptive move as the service is largely outside of NECA and thus residents are concerned about what might happen?
Is there a capacity issue at school times?
To which part of Stagecoach would 685 service issues, as per the article, be addressed? North East or Cumbria or both?