Evening Boost: 'Lifeline' Bus Route Set for Expanded Services and Higher Frequency in UK

An "essential connection" bus route in Darlington is getting extended service hours with more frequent trips.

The 6/6A/6B route, stopping at Hurworth, Darlington downtown Middleton St George, and Teesside Airport The service enhancement has received financial support from Darlington Borough Council. As a result, evening routes to Hurworth, Middleton One Row, and Middleton St George will resume operations for the first time since 2011.

The Stagecoach service, presently backed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), will similarly run every hour on Sundays.

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Embracing the updates, Libby McCollom, who serves as the council’s cabinet member for local services, expressed her delight: “It brings me joy that we will be able to utilise this funding to enhance the bus service for those residing in our rural areas. For numerous individuals, the bus is absolutely essential, which makes it wonderful news that we can restore this service during evenings and boost the frequency of Sunday departures.”

These alterations were made possible through funds provided via Section 106 agreements from housing developers, aimed at supporting local services in regions affected by new constructions.

Steve Walker, the Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, stated: "We're delighted to collaborate with Darlington Borough Council to introduce an improved 6/6A/6B route to the town’s public transportation system. This upgraded service will offer a significant link for several rural communities that have had restricted access to the town center over the past ten years, providing them with a vital resource."

TVCA verified in March that additional services, such as 17/18, 3/4, and 16, will also remain operational until March 2026. The Tees Flex, providing an on-demand service, is included in this continuation. Stockton , Darlington, Hartlepool And East Cleveland saw an extension as well.

The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority are working on a proposal to offer complimentary bus rides to care leavers until they reach 25 years old. This initiative will run concurrently with the expansion of the present £1 fare scheme for individuals aged 21 and younger, which is set to go past its current timeframe later this summer.

Efforts to develop support plans for care leavers come after the heads of the five borough councils asked TVCA in October 2024 to finance complimentary transportation for individuals who were formerly looked after by their local authority.

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