Sunderland Public Transport User Group Meeting 29/05/25

SUNDERLAND PUBLIC TRANSPORT USERS GROUP (SPTUG)
Minutes of Meeting – Thursday 29th May 2025
Time: 4:45pm
Venue: The Fans Museum, Sunderland
Chair: Alec McFadden
Secretary: Chris Lawlor

1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Alec McFadden welcomed all attendees and thanked them for their continued
commitment. He noted the recent success of Sunderland AFC and introduced Josh Nesbitt, who
supported minute-taking during part of the meeting.

2. Attendance
Present:
● Alec McFadden (Chair)
● Chris Lawlor (Secretary)
● Simon Burdus
● Helmut Izaks
● Rob Holden
● Geoff Wade
● Josh Nesbitt

3. Approval of Previous Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting (27 March 2025) were approved as a correct record.
One matter arising: Geoff Wade agreed to write a summary of the Traffic Commissioner’s
powers and share it with the Secretary and Cllr Linzi Lenard.

4. Presentation of Draft Constitution
Alec McFadden introduced the revised Draft Constitution, which incorporated amendments
proposed by Adrian Hedley. Key discussion points included:
● Broad agreement to adopt the majority of Adrian’s amendments.
● Clarification that SPTUG seeks to “work with” rather than be governed by external
organisations.
● Agreement that the final draft should reflect SPTUG’s commitment to independence,
transparency, and collaboration.
The updated Constitution was adopted unanimously.

5. Relationship with NEPTUG
Geoff Wade opened discussion on strengthening relations with the North East Public
Transport Users Group (NEPTUG).
● It was reaffirmed that SPTUG had agreed to work with NEPTUG (per March meeting
minutes), while retaining autonomy.
● Members expressed a desire to build bridges and maintain open dialogue, especially
given improving leadership within NEPTUG.
● It was agreed that SPTUG will pursue joint working on shared issues, without
compromising on democratic decision-making or local focus.

6. NE Local Transport Plan (LTP) Consultation – Secretary’s Report
Chris Lawlor delivered a summary of SPTUG’s influence in the final LTP following regional
consultation. Key wins:
● Taxis now formally recognised as part of the integrated network.
● Washington Metro Loop confirmed for development.
● Integrated ticketing (including Pop card extensions) and real-time info upgrades now
prioritised.
● Active travel improvements including Route 4.1, Whitburn corridor, and Sunderland city
links funded.
● £800m investment confirmed over the next decade.
Members welcomed the inclusion of many SPTUG proposals and agreed to monitor
implementation closely.

7. Cycle Integration with Public Transport
Geoff Wade led an in-depth discussion on bike and public transport integration:
● Concerns raised around the limited bike provision on Metro and rail services.
● Nexus’ commitment to reviewing bike access rules on new Metro fleet welcomed.
● Members advocated for secure bike storage at stations and expanded active travel
infrastructure.
● Anti-social behaviour by illegal e-bike users was identified as a major barrier to public
perception of cycling.

8. Taxi Accessibility and Licensing Issues
Rob Holden reported that:
● The 5-year age limit on licensed vehicles has been dropped across the region.
● A serious concern is the decline in wheelchair-accessible taxis, due to vehicle costs
(£30,000+).
● Members discussed Newcastle’s Clean Air Zone exemption for wheelchair-access taxis
as a potential model.
Action agreed: Write to Heidi Alexander MP and the relevant transport minister to highlight the
urgent need for national intervention.

9. Sunderland Station Accessibility
Members raised ongoing issues at the newly refurbished Sunderland station:
● Broken lifts, non-functional automatic doors, and lack of accountability were key
complaints.
● Difficulties in obtaining maintenance information from Northern or Network Rail were
highlighted.
Action: Issue to be escalated via the NECA Rail Board and Mayor’s Office.

10. Bus Reliability and Traffic Commissioner Powers
Discussion led by Geoff Wade:
● Few routes in the North East meet the Traffic Commissioner’s 95% punctuality standard.
● The new real-time bus monitoring and smart traffic priority trials in Sunderland are
showing early promise.
● Phil Young’s absence was noted; his proposed written update on bus punctuality will be
followed up.

11. Windrush Day Event – Friday 20th June 2025
Simon Burdus promoted the Windrush Day Celebration at the Fans Museum:
● Hosted in partnership with Sunderland Age UK and Near Neighbours.
● Free food and performances, and appearances by Howard Gayle, Gary Bennett, and
Reuben Agboola.
● SPTUG members are encouraged to attend and support the event.

12. NE Bus Network Forum – 10th June 2025
Geoff Wade confirmed that the first NE Bus Network Forum will take place:
● Tuesday 10 June, 5:30–7:00pm, Gateshead Civic Centre.
● Designed to explore regional issues such as accessibility, ticketing, and safety in greater
detail.
● Alec McFadden and Chris Lawlor to attend.
● Attendees agreed to circulate the invitation to wider networks and community groups.

13. Any Other Business
● Concern raised over prams and dogs in wheelchairs occupying accessible spaces—no
statutory guidance available, common sense advised.
● Rob Holden and Geoff Wade discussed the regulatory grey area around illegal electric
bikes and e-modded scooters, which are increasingly involved in safety incidents.
● Simon Burdus confirmed the recruitment of two new community engagement officers in
his team to increase support for regional forums.

14. Date of Next Meeting
Thursday 24th July 2025
5:00pm, at the Fans Museum, Sunderland

Meeting closed at 6:55pm.
Minutes prepared by: Chris Lawlor, Secretary
Approved by: Alec McFadden, Chair