Key Community Bus is excited to announce a pilot expansion of its timetable, increasing from 2 stops per day to 3 stops per day for the last four operational weeks of 2025, commencing Tuesday 25 November. The service operates Tuesday to Thursday on a 3-weekly rota, ensuring residents across South Tyneside have access to increased food choice and related support services.
This trial aims to offer greater accessibility for more residents, while minimising disruption to existing, established stops. The pilot will be carefully reviewed at the end of the trial period to determine whether the expanded service should become permanent.
Everyone is welcome to use the bus regardless of income. Residents who hop aboard can benefit from affordable food, increased choice and reduced food waste, community connection, plus advice and support on related issues.
No membership is required to use the bus and prices are based on suggested minimum donations, simply covering running costs. Payments are accepted via cash, card, mobile, bank transfer, and Healthy Start vouchers.
“Key Community Bus is all about making sure all residents can shop for less, reduce food waste, access support, and build connections, whatever their circumstances,” said Jo Benham Brown, Business Development and Communities Manager at Key Community. “This pilot expansion gives us the chance to reach more people, gather feedback, and see if a permanent timetable increase is the right step for our community.”
For more information, please visit: https://keycommunity.org.uk/key-community-bus