Jesmond residents have voiced their disapproval about Nexus’ plans to potentially discontinue the Q3 bus service through Osborne Road.

In a statement, Nexus announced plans to stop funding for the Q3 service diversion via Osborne Road in order to give a “more direct service to Great Park” and to pay for changes to the 35 bus service to Fawdon. 

This would mean that those in Jesmond needing this bus service would have to access it using the Great North Road instead of Osborne Road.

The company launched a consultation over the potential ending of funding for the route that closed in late November, but has not yet announced the outcome.

News of the consultation, and the potential axe hanging over the Q3, was met with significant backlash from the Jesmond community who could potentially lose the only direct bus service connecting them to Newcastle.

“I think it’s disgraceful,” resident Anne told JesmondLocal. “A lot of people don’t have cars and it’s their [Nexus’] job to provide”.

The discontinuation of the Q3 bus service has also raised concerns about accessibility for many residents. Margret and Steve, who live in Jesmond, have to use the Q3 bus as it is the closest mode of public transport to where they live.

“If you had shopping or needed to go to Gosforth, you would have to go the Great North Road so missing it would be extremely frustrating,” Margaret told JesmondLocal.  “We think these plans are awful”.

As well as on the streets of Jesmond, residents also took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their opinion on the issue:

Nexus’s announcement was criticised by the Jesmond Residents Association (JRA), who said in a statement that “many of us are elderly and vulnerable individuals who rely heavily on this service for mobility around key areas of our city”.

“Its removal would not only disrupt daily routines but also jeopardise the independence and wellbeing of many residents,” the JRA added.

Nexus was approached to comment for this story but did not respond.