Bus services extended to boost access to jobs

Three bus services have been extended in a bid to boost access to "quality" jobs, Tees Valley's mayor has said.

The number 16 service in Darlington, Tees Flex, and services 1 and 2 in East Cleveland will now remain in place until March 2025 after a decision this week.

Money to fund the routes comes from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the government's Bus Service Improvement Plan.

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."

Service 16 serves an estimated 35,000 passenger journeys every year between Harrowgate Hill and West Park through Darlington, Darlington Borough Council said.

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

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

Mr Houchen said the decision to keep the number 16 running through Darlington to better connect communities to the town centre was a "no brainer".

He added: "As we build successes on all our big projects, we must ensure our rural areas aren’t left behind."

Council leader Steve Harker said the authority was working to improve services across the Tees Valley.

He said: "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."

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