24/08/2026
We are inviting individuals, community groups, and organisations to take part in the ROUTES (Rural Optimised User-centred Transport Eco System) Project, a new initiative funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to improve transport options across rural areas of the North East.
ROUTES aims to make it easier for people to access employment, healthcare, education, and community activities by developing more flexible, accessible, and demand-led transport solutions. The project is focusing initially on researching West Gateshead, South Northumberland, and North County Durham, working closely with local communities to understand existing transport challenges and identify gaps in provision.
By combining local knowledge with detailed transport data, the project will help develop practical solutions that meet the needs of rural residents. These could include community transport services, shared vehicles, accessible transport options, and demand-responsive services that complement existing public transport networks.
To ensure the project is shaped by those who use transport services, we are asking residents, groups, and organisations to complete our survey and share their views.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=aKng34m4lUqjPyDLXnseB2wOPN5AqKNAoQfrVJxHrDtUNVdTMDRBMzA1WkZOVllCQUo2VFBSS0I4VC4u&route=shorturl
We would also be grateful if you could share the survey with your networks, friends, family, colleagues, service users, and community members so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to contribute.
For organisations, we would particularly appreciate support by promoting the survey through your:
Newsletters
Social media channels
Websites
Community noticeboards
Email distribution lists
Any other communication channels available to you
Your feedback will play an important role in shaping future transport services and helping create stronger, better-connected rural communities.
Thank you for your support!