1. Bus Services in Tyne and Wear: Charter for Growth Tyne and Wear PTA and Nexus Bus Strategy

2. Current situation  National Concessionary Travel Scheme has generated growth in older and disabled passengers  It has also altered the dynamics of how bus income is generated  Long-term decline in the numbers of full fare- paying passengers has seen recent reversals  The majority of bus services continue to be planned on a purely commercial basis

3. Fare-paying patronage is falling

4. Public contribution is increasing

5. Consultation: Charter for Growth Charter for Growth Punctuality and reliability Service frequency Accessibility Information Delivery Fares and ticketing Integration Safety and security Quality buses Quality waiting facilities Effective marketing Minimise harmful emissions

6. Delivery through partnership Local Transport Bill  Completes passage through parliament 18 Nov  Gives local authorities better tools to engage with bus operators through partnership  Quality contracts (bus franchising) an option Our preference is to work through partnerships  Aim is to deliver the improvements and standards set out in the Bus Strategy  We want all of Tyne and Wear to be covered by meaningful partnerships