A Call for Action from the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) Northern Region
Ensuring Accessible and Affordable Transport for Older People in the North East
Public transport is a lifeline for many older people across the North East, providing essential access to healthcare, social activities, and everyday services. However, despite its importance, many pensioners face increasing challenges due to unreliable bus services, limited rail connections, and accessibility barriers.
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) Northern Region has submitted its response to the North East Local Transport Plan (LTP), calling on Mayor Kim McGuinness, Deputy Mayor Martin Gannon, and the North East Combined Authority (NECA) to prioritise the needs of older people within the region’s transport strategy.
The NPC Northern Region’s transport report highlights the key challenges pensioners face and offers practical recommendations to improve public transport, ensuring that it is affordable, accessible, reliable, and safe for all users.
This blog outlines the most pressing transport issues for older people and the urgent actions needed to ensure a fair and inclusive transport network in the North East.
📥 Download the Full NPC Northern Region Transport Report Here
The Importance of Public Transport for Older People – Ensuring Accessible and Affordable Transport for Older People in the North East
A Lifeline for Pensioners
For many older people, public transport is not just a convenience—it is a necessity. Without reliable buses, trains, and Metro services, pensioners are unable to reach essential services such as GP surgeries, hospitals, pharmacies, and social clubs.
Transport Poverty and Social Isolation
When transport is unaffordable, inaccessible, or unreliable, older people can become trapped in their homes, leading to increased social isolation and loneliness. Many pensioners in rural or underserved areas are completely dependent on public transport for social interaction and daily activities.
The Impact of Poor Transport on Health and Wellbeing
A lack of accessible transport means that many older people miss vital medical appointments, leading to worsening health conditions. This not only impacts individuals but also places an additional strain on NHS services and social care providers.
Key Transport Issues Affecting Older People in the North East
The NPC Northern Region Transport Report highlights six critical areas where improvements are urgently needed to make public transport work for older passengers.
1. Bus Services – Frequency, Affordability, and Accessibility
Buses are the most widely used mode of transport for older people in the North East. However, many pensioners struggle due to infrequent and unreliable services, high fares, and accessibility issues.
NPC’s Recommendations for Better Bus Services:
- 24-hour free concessionary bus travel to ensure pensioners can travel whenever they need to, including during peak hours for early medical appointments or volunteering.
- More frequent and reliable bus services, particularly in the evenings and on weekends, to allow older people to remain active in their communities.
- An integrated ticketing system that allows passengers to transfer between buses, Metro, and trains without financial penalty or confusion.
2. Expanding the Metro – The Case for the Washington Metro Loop
Washington remains one of the largest towns in the UK without direct rail or Metro access. Many pensioners living in Washington rely on slow and indirect bus services, making journeys to Sunderland, Newcastle, and Gateshead unnecessarily difficult.
NPC’s Recommendations for the Metro:
- Prioritise the Washington Metro Loop to provide direct rail connectivity for Washington’s residents, improving access to healthcare, shops, and employment hubs.
- Ensure Metro stations are fully accessible, with step-free access, clear signage, and real-time travel updates.
3. Rail Services – Addressing Sunderland’s Declining Connectivity
Sunderland’s rail connections have deteriorated in recent years, with fewer direct services and an over-reliance on Grand Central’s limited timetable. This makes it difficult for pensioners to travel beyond the region, whether for family visits, medical appointments, or leisure.
NPC’s Recommendations for Rail Services:
- Restore direct LNER services from Sunderland to key destinations, including London and Edinburgh.
- Introduce more affordable fares for pensioners, ensuring train travel is a realistic alternative to driving.
- Improve accessibility at rail stations, ensuring all passengers, including those with mobility challenges, can travel safely and comfortably.
4. Public Transport Safety and Accessibility
Many older passengers feel unsafe using public transport due to poor lighting, a lack of security, and inaccessible facilities. If public transport is to be a genuine alternative to car travel, it must be safe and welcoming for all passengers.
NPC’s Recommendations for Safer Travel:
- Better lighting and security at bus stops, Metro stations, and train platforms.
- Clear real-time travel updates, including visual and audio announcements, to help passengers with hearing or sight impairments.
- More sheltered waiting areas with seating, so older people can wait for services comfortably.
5. Toilets at Public Transport Hubs – A Basic Necessity
One of the most overlooked but critical issues for pensioners is the lack of public toilets at Metro, train, and bus stations. Many older people avoid travelling because they cannot be sure they will have access to a toilet when needed.
NPC’s Recommendations for Public Toilets:
- Install accessible public toilets at all major transport hubs, including Sunderland, Newcastle, and Gateshead Interchange.
- Ensure existing toilet facilities are properly maintained and available during all transport operating hours.
- Incorporate toilet provision into all future transport projects, recognising that access to facilities is a key component of an age-friendly transport network.
6. Taxi Services – Addressing Licensing and Accessibility Issues
Many older people rely on taxis for short journeys where public transport is unavailable or unsuitable. However, pensioners face challenges due to licensing disparities, high costs, and a shortage of wheelchair-accessible taxis.
NPC’s Recommendations for Taxi Services:
- Introduce fairer licensing rules to prevent out-of-area taxis from dominating the market and driving up fares.
- Increase the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis, ensuring all passengers can travel safely and comfortably.
- Provide public toilets at major taxi ranks, recognising that taxi drivers also need access to basic facilities.
A Transport Network That Works for Everyone
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) Northern Region strongly believes that a reliable, accessible, and affordable transport system is essential for ensuring pensioners retain their independence and quality of life.
The North East Local Transport Plan (LTP) must deliver real, lasting improvements by prioritising:
- Investment in buses, Metro, and rail services that meet the needs of older passengers.
- A commitment to safety and accessibility, ensuring pensioners feel confident using public transport.
- Stronger regional coordination, ensuring transport services work together as a seamless network.
NPC urges Mayor Kim McGuinness, Deputy Mayor Martin Gannon, and NECA to ensure that pensioners are at the heart of transport planning in the North East.
📥 Download the Full NPC Northern Region Transport Report
🔗 Click here to download the full report
We Want to Hear From You! How does public transport impact your daily life? Share your experiences and join us in pushing for a transport system that works for everyone.
Together, we can build a fairer, more inclusive transport network for the North East.