People across the North East are being invited to contribute towards a review of public transport.
The review is looking at the accessibility and availability of public transport in the area and in particular whether people face any problems which prevent them from getting into employment or from travelling to work, school or college.
It is being carried out by the North East Combined Authority’s overview and scrutiny committee, which will publish a report on its findings in March 2016.
Individuals and organisations are invited to submit evidence for the committee to consider as part of the review.
Cllr Norma Wright, chair of neca’s overview and scrutiny committee, said: “We’re asking people to help us to build a picture of what the transport needs are across our area and whether people are facing any barriers to employment.
“As well as looking at what current transport projects exist to help people get to work, job interviews and training, we are also looking at the potential impact of future spending cuts and the particular issues facing different areas, including rural communities.”
Evidence can be submitted from 1 September until 8 October.
General comments are welcome but the committee is particularly looking for evidence on:
• Whether people can travel at reasonable cost, in reasonable time and with reasonable ease;
• The extent to which public transport gives adequate access to employment sites; and
• What alternative transport approaches could be considered that would support people into permanent employment.
Responses should be as concise as possible and any submissions longer than four pages should include a summary of the key points.
Evidence must be submitted to overviewandscrutiny@sunderland.gov.uk
Anyone who is not able to provide information via email, or who has a general enquiry about the review, should contact the scrutiny team on 0191 561 1004.