Airport night bus trial set for take off

A new night bus will serve Newcastle International Airport passengers taking early flights

A night bus service is being launched to help people reach a regional airport for early morning flights.

It is hoped shift workers and holiday makers will use the service linking Newcastle city centre to the airport, as well as locations on the western side of the city.

The six-month trial, operated by Stagecoach, will begin on 24 March and run from 02:50 to 05:20 GMT each day.

Huw Lewis, at transport group Nexus, said: “It is a great option for people who need to get to the airport during the night, when most public transport services are not running."

The 787 bus will run from Newgate Street before taking in the West Road, Westerhope, Newbiggin Hall and the airport.

A journey from the city centre will cost £2, while a day ticket will be £3.70 and a weekly ticket £17.

'New connection'

The service is a joint project by Nexus and Transport North East, funded by the government's bus service improvement plan and Newcastle International Airport.

The trial run through the summer season.

Transport bosses will then assess how popular it has been and whether it should become permanent.

Mr Lewis added: "It will provide an entirely new connection to the airport, benefiting shift workers who are starting early, and people who are catching holiday flights."

The launch comes as the city council plans a clampdown on bad parking around the airport.