New community bus routes set for launch in Stockton Borough
Two new community bus routes for residents who don't have access to bus services will be launched in Stockton Borough this month.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will launch the free Community Transport Bus Service on Monday, 20 February.
It will see buses run on weekdays between Norton, Stockton town centre and Hartburn, and between Wolviston Village and Billingham town centre.
The vehicles can seat between eight and 16 passengers and offer improved disabled access with removable seats to allow space for three wheelchairs. The service is free of charge.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: "We know how much our communities value transport links across the Borough so we are really pleased that we're able to provide two new community transport services.
"Anyone wishing to use the free Community Transport Bus Service needs to apply for membership so they can get a card to show when boarding the bus. Membership forms can be downloaded from our website or sent out to your home.
"These are excellent new services for anyone who isn't able to access, or has difficulty accessing, local bus services and will make it easier for them to get to our town centres and local amenities.
"This innovative scheme is being piloted to see how much demand there is for a commercial service along these routes. Hopefully we will be able to show demand for this service which, in turn, will give local bus companies the confidence to consider routes of their own."
The Community Transport Bus Service is supported by the Department for Transport's Bus Service Operator Grant.
Call the Council's Economic Growth and Development Service on 01642 526709/524681.