String Of New Bus Services To Come To Our Region This Autumn

Autumn will herald the arrival of a string of new bus services to better connect thousands of people across our region with education, work and vital health facilities.

A new route to link up Port Clarence to University Hospital of North Tees, via Billingham, and a fresh service linking Long Newton and Elton to Teesside Park, Stockton and Darlington will be launched at the end of September with Stagecoach.

These will be joined by enhanced Stagecoach services linking Park End and North Ormesby to James Cook University Hospital, as well as the creation of a new link between Coulby Newham and Nunthorpe.

In a boost for links to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, Arriva’s Service 19 will be extended to link to Newton Aycliffe via Faverdale, West Park and School Aycliffe.

The new routes are being funded by the Combined Authority after a detailed review into services, with more than £8.9million committed to secure contracts until at least March 2028.

The move comes following an uplift in Government funding for buses with almost £26million available until April 2029.

A £1 fare cap on journeys for those aged 21 and under is also continuing alongside a £3 day ticket.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We want as many people as possible linked up to jobs, education and the services they need.

“Backing these extra buses creates those links – particularly for the Clarences where I know there has been calls for better services for years.

“It shows what we can do when we work together with bus operators and deliver the services people need and want.”

Steve Walker, Managing Director for Stagecoach North East, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority to introduce these new and enhanced services, creating better connections for communities across the region.

“Reliable and accessible bus services play a vital role in helping people reach education, employment, healthcare and other essential destinations. These improvements will provide more travel opportunities for customers while strengthening links between communities and key local facilities.”

Richard McGowan, Head of Commercial at Arriva North East and Yorkshire, added: “We’re delighted to be working with the Combined Authority to deliver this extended Service 19 solution, improving connectivity for local communities and making it easier for people to access education, employment, healthcare and other key destinations.

“This enhanced service will provide more convenient and reliable travel options, and we look forward to welcoming customers on board.”

In total, 20 bus services or service extensions have been backed – including Service 51, in Hartlepool, to connect Elwick, Dalton Piercy and West Park to Hartlepool Town Centre.

Services X86 and 10 will be merged to form a new Service 86/87, operated by Arriva to connect communities including Sadberge, Stillington and Bishopton to Stockton and Darlington town centres. Other routes will also be extended for passengers, including East Cleveland’s Service 1&2, which will operate via Brotton High Street.

The Combined Authority has also pooled resources with Darlington Borough Council to bolster bus services in the borough. This will result in increased connections and more Sunday and evening journeys.

Cllr Steve Harker, TVCA Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure and Leader of Darlington Borough Council, added: “It’s pleasing to see the network review yield extra services on the back of this uplift in funding from the Government – offering more opportunities to access work, education and health services this autumn.

“We want to do more to link more people to our transport network – and it’s good to see the TVCA, our Councils and operators working together to provide more services.”

Timetables for the new services will be finalised by September with the routes beginning later in the month.

For a full list of bus service updates, go to: Service Updates – Travel – Tees Valley