Sunderland Public Transport User Group Meeting at The Fans Museum 28/11/2024

Minutes of the Sunderland Public Transport User Group (SPTUG) Meeting
Date: 28th November
Time: 4:45 PM
Venue: The Fan Museum, Sunderland
Chair: Alec McFadden

1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Alec McFadden opened the meeting, welcoming attendees, including new members
Helmut Izaks (ARMS, PCS) and five Sunderland taxi drivers. He thanked Michael Ganley,
founder of The Fan Museum, for hosting and providing refreshments.

2. Attendance
Present:
● Alec McFadden (NPC & GMB)
● Phil Young
● Chris Lawlor (GMB)
● Cllr Lindsey Leonard (Unison)
● John Burke (GMB)
● Stephen Brennan
● Andy Parkin
● Duncan Small
● Jimmy Usher
● Rob Holden
● Helmut Izaks (ARMS & PCS)
● Michael Ganley
Apologies (25):
● Adrian Headley (PCS)
● Juliey Young (PCS)
● Sylvia Hargraves
● Mary Bell (GMB)
● Cllr Graham Miller
● Stu Gilsephy (GMB)
● Jamie Robson
● Geoff Wade
● Alan Lubbock
● Norman Jemison (UCU)
● Allison Hicks
● Alan Mardghum (NUM)
● Vicky Gilbert
● Paul Baker
● Sean Kelly (GMB)
● Martin Dent (Unite)
● Ken Richardson
● Gary Baker
● Robert Latimer
● Sunderland TUC
● Wilf Flynn (Unite)
● John Scott (Unite)
● Kevin Richardson
● Kirsty Wade

3. Approval of Previous Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting, held in May 2024, were confirmed as accurate.

4. North East Public Transport Consultation
Phil Young introduced the consultation launched by NE Mayor Kim McGuinness, highlighting its
historic significance and the need for detailed proposals from SPTUG. He emphasized the
group’s prior submission advocating for the Washington Metro Loop and urged members to
address Sunderland-specific challenges, such as:
● Timetabling Bias: Metro schedules disadvantaging Sunderland.
● Rail Connectivity: Limited Sunderland-London services.
● Infrastructure Investment: Upgrades to mainline rail tracks serving Sunderland.
Chris Lawlor supported Phil’s remarks, emphasizing this as a real chance to shape transport
policy in the North East and urged collective participation.
Key Issues Discussed:
● Environmental Concerns: Taxi drivers highlighted issues with old Newcastle diesel
taxis operating in Sunderland and Newcastle-registered taxis used locally.
● Accessibility: Improving wheelchair access on buses, metros, and taxis.
● Toilets on Metro: Alec McFadden underscored the need for improved facilities for
families and health and safety.
● Concessionary Travel: John Burke proposed 24-hour travel for retired workers.
● Cycle Lane Education: Raised by taxi drivers as a priority for safety.
Action Plan:
Chris Lawlor, Phil Young, and Alec McFadden will draft a formal submission to the NE Mayor
and Deputy Mayor addressing these issues.

5. Sunderland Bus Board
Cllr Lindsey Leonard reported on impending rule changes to allow two SPTUG directors to join
the Sunderland Bus Board. This will be finalized at the board’s December meeting.

6. Summary and Next Steps
Chair Alec McFadden summarized key discussions and action items. He thanked all attendees
for their contributions and encouraged further participation in shaping regional transport policies.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday, 30th January 2025
Time: 4:45 PM
Venue: The Fan Museum, Sunderland

7. Adjournment
The meeting concluded at 6:40 PM with a group photo