Council extends bus services for villages (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Council extends bus services for villages

3:26pm Friday 26th June 2009

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RESIDENTS are being urged to apply for a new bus pass after changes to vital village services.

The new evening and Sunday bus services are on the way for people living to the west of Stockton, thanks to funding from Stockton Borough Council.

The changes, starting on Sunday, mean that users of the service must hold a special pass, which is available free to travellers to and from the villages.

English National concessionary pass holders can also use the offpeak services, known as the Village Link.

People in Stillington, Thorpe Thewles, Whitton, Bishopton, Carlton, Redmarshall, Elton and Long Newton are being urged to sign up for the new passes.

The extension of the service sees Stockton Council running its own bus services for the first time in 41 years and will be using buses which normally take residents to the borough’s social care facilities.

Coun Bob Cook, council cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said: “I am delighted we have been able to keep this essential local lifeline running.

“We have introduced an innovative way of working, which means we can make the best use of vehicles we already own, but it does need passengers to sign up to a special pass before travelling.”

For the Village Link service, the council secured the funding to operate from the Government’s Community Bus Challenge.

The service also takes in the University Hospital of North Tees, but cannot stop between the Horse and Jockey and Stockton town centre as these are served by other buses.

The white Village Link vehicles will operate an hourly circular route linking the villages with Stockton High Street and the hospital on Mondays to Fridays from 6pm-11pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm-11pm.

For a trial period, the flat rate fare is £1 per adult and 50p per child per journey, with concessions free with a valid pass.

To register for a pass or find out further information, telephone 01642-527159 or e-mail john.howe@stockton.gov.uk.

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