Moving Forward: Transforming Bus Travel in Ashington
Ashington Town Council is taking proactive steps to enhance local public transport infrastructure, demonstrating a collaborative approach with Northumberland County Council (NCC) to improve passenger experience and accessibility. On behalf of NCC, Ashington Town Council officers, Mark Air and Ryan Appleby, have successfully installed stand information at Ashington Bus Station, providing clear guidance for passengers.
Working closely with NCC's bus ambassador, Bill Lynch, the council is developing a strategic approach to bus shelters across Ashington. NCC will provide user information, allowing a targeted strategy that prioritises the most frequently used bus stops, with a strong emphasis on creating accessible and comfortable waiting spaces for residents. In addition to shelter improvements, Ashington Town Council officers are committed to supporting the repair and upgrade of timetable cabinets. Leveraging their local knowledge, the council will work closely with NCC to review and upgrade timetable cabinets, ensuring these crucial information points meet the needs of local passengers.
While Ashington Town Council's direct responsibility is limited to the provision of bus shelters, the council is dedicated to going above and beyond to support residents. By working collaboratively with NCC, they aim to enhance public transport infrastructure and support sustainable transportation solutions that benefit the entire community. The council aims to systematically enhance bus shelter facilities across Ashington. This initiative builds on their ongoing commitment to updating bus shelters, typically focusing on two to four locations each year. Key focus areas include:
- Prioritising accessibility for all residents
- Ensuring comfortable seating
- Maximising resource efficiency
- Improving information accessibility through upgraded timetable cabinets
This collaborative effort underscores a shared vision of improving public transport infrastructure, making travel more convenient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious for Ashington residents.
For up-to-date information on bus services, residents are encouraged to check: Online timetables: https://www.nexus.org.uk/bus/timetables
Live travel map: https://www.nexus.org.uk/livetravelmap
NCC’s Bus Ambassador, Bill Lynch said, “We have some 3,000 plus bus stops throughout Northumberland. My new role as Bus Ambassador is to deal with and help improve bus infrastructure throughout our great County. I have certainly got a challenge ahead though I have been incredibly heartened by initial responses. As new timetables are rolled out across the County, NCC would welcome more Town and Parish Councils to support efforts to ensure timetables are updated. NCC will continue to supply timetables and pieces of consumables such as Perspex sheets; display cases etc. whilst local staff or volunteers ensure that bus stops display accurate timetable information for the benefit of their local residents.”
Town and Parish Councils or local transport groups who want more information, or feel they could support timetables updates, should contact Bill Lynch, email bus.ambassador@northumberland.gov.uk
Gallery
