Three Lifeline Bus Services Extended to Boost Connectivity Across Region

A trio of bus services have been secured into 2025 to boost connectivity in Darlington and rural parts of our region.

The number 16 Service in Darlington, Tees Flex, and Service 1 and 2 in East Cleveland have all been extended to ensure they remain in place until March next year.

The extensions were agreed in talks on Wednesday (10 July) with money from the Combined Authority and Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) helping to maintain the services.

Service 16 serves an estimated 35,000 passenger journeys every year between Harrowgate Hill and West Park through Darlington at the moment.

Meanwhile, Stagecoach-run Tees Flex offers an on-demand service across Stockton, Darlington, West Hartlepool and East Cleveland which helps improve rural connectivity.

Service 1 & 2 both serve East Cleveland – with a recent expansion of the routes to include Skinningrove and Easington to improve links across the area.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got the building blocks in place for good quality jobs across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool – but we always need to do more to boost access to those roles and get local people better connected.

“We’ve put our money where our mouth is in extending Tees Flex and keeping Service 1 & 2 running across East Cleveland. As we build successes on all our big projects, we must ensure our rural areas aren’t left behind.

“Keeping the number 16 running through Darlington is also a no-brainer to keep Faverdale, West Park, and Cockerton better linked-up with the town centre.

“My £1 pledge for under 21s is up and running – so I’d urge everyone to get out, use a bus and enjoy the summer.”

The Department for Transport provides funding for BSIP.

Cllr Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Lead for Transport, said: “It’s vitally important we back buses in our region and it’s very pleasing to see these services extended across all our rural areas and my borough.

“We’re always working hard with our operators to maintain and improve both services and coverage across the Tees Valley. Buses remain a key part of our wider strategy across our region to better link up services with our rail, walking, and cycling routes – and make transport more accessible for all.”