Following the initial 4-week trial from the end of November 2025, Key Community Bus is pleased to announce that its pilot extended service will continue for a further three months, running until the end of March 2026.
The bus brings affordable food, advice, and community activities direct to neighbourhoods across South Tyneside – wherever demand is greatest – helping households shop more sustainably and make their budgets go further.
Key Community Bus operates Tuesday to Thursday inclusive. During the trial the bus is operating to a more regular, four-weekly timetable, with an increase from two to three stops per day to meet demand for new locations.
New stops added: The Lonnen | South Shields Town Hall | South Tyneside College | Galsworthy Road Play Area | Bede Burn Primary School | One Trinity Green | Askins Lodge |St Oswald’s CE VA Primary School
What the bus offers:
- Affordable, good-quality food on the lower deck
- Advice and support services on the upper deck
- Community activities to connect, learn, and thrive
Why it matters:
- Helps everyone, regardless of income, access affordable, healthy food, especially in areas with limited options
- Reduces food waste and promotes sustainability
- Supports health and wellbeing
- Tackles social isolation by reconnecting communities
- Creates employment, work experience, and volunteering opportunities
Who is it for?
Everyone is welcome aboard – whatever your circumstances! Whether you are looking to shop more sustainably, save money, access support, or connect with your community, the bus is for you.
Use it or lose it:
The bus stops where people use it most. If demand at a particular stop is not high enough, the bus may move to another location to ensure we are helping as many people as possible.
How to get involved:
- Hop on board: Look out for the bus in your area and check local stops and times on our website: keycommunity.org.uk/key-community-bus/
- Join our team: If you love meeting new people, providing excellent customer service and can manage heavy lifting up and down stairs, volunteer on the bus and make a real difference in our community.
- Partner with us: Local organisations can hire our upper deck, for a nominal fee, to provide advice and support services in the heart of communities.
- Spread the word: Tell a friend or neighbour about us – especially those who may digitally excluded – and encourage them to pay us a visit. Every person who uses our service helps put funds back into the project, enabling us to reach those who need us most.
No membership is required to use the bus. Prices are based on suggested minimum donations to cover running costs only, with payments accepted via cash, card, mobile, bank transfer, and Healthy Start vouchers.
“Our bus is all about bringing increased choice, affordable food, related advice and community activities directly to residents,” said Jo Benham Brown, Business Development and Communities Manager at Key Community. “We want to be where people need us most, helping households stretch their budgets.”
“Shopping with us means shopping sustainably and with conscience – if you want your money to support a community project rather than a large corporation, the Key Community Bus is the place to do it. Please help spread the word and encourage a friend or neighbour to hop aboard. Everyone is welcome.”