Durham County Council has successfully doubled investment provided to bus services across the county thanks to funding from the North East Mayor.
Over the last year, the council has secured over £8m for the Bus Service Improvement Plan from the Combined Authority, bringing improvements to bus infrastructure, service reliability, and improving safety and accessibility.
Most recently, it received £1m to bring a raft of improvements to bus stands near North Road in Durham City. The work will include the introduction of four new bus shelters with improved visibility for the public to see buses coming, plus the widening of footpaths and installation of raised kerbs.
County wide, there will be a range of bus stop infrastructure improvements thanks to £1.8m in funding, which will see 446 new bus stop signs, the replacement of 90 bus shelters and improved kerbs at 50 shelters.
Dalton Park has seen the largest amount of funding at £3.2m, which will reconfigure the internal arrangement of the shopping centre’s car park to allow buses to travel directly through the site, rather than being stopped and turning around.
Along with improved journey times, there will be improvements to bus stop waiting areas and waiting shelters, with an aim to enhance and encourage the use of public transport.
Further improvements will see amendments to road markings on the B1285 to allow dual lane access, additional traffic lanes to reduce congestion, localised carriageway widening and resurfacing to allow bus manoeuvres and the installation of two new bus stops and associated infrastructure.
Stanley Bus Station is set to be modernised and upgraded thanks to £2.5 million, bringing a whole new design to the main entrance, new lighting and CCTV to improve safety and upgrades to digital and interactive passenger information displays.
A Further £2.7m has been provided to the A690 corridor bringing signal improvements to Nevilles Cross, Crossgate Peth, Sutton Street and the introduction of signals on North Road roundabout, enhancing bus priority along one of the principal bus corridors in the county.
Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “We are pleased with the significant amount of investment that is going into bus services in the county, which we know plays a vital role in connecting our communities and boosting our economy.
“North Road in Durham City, Dalton Park and Stanley Bus Station are just some of the places receiving major improvements to reduce journey times and improve accessibility.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I want people in Durham to see catching the bus as a safe and affordable choice. With The Mayor’s Fares we have already capped the cost of a bus ticket at £2.50 wherever you travel, and just £1 for everyone up to age 21.
“Now we are investing millions in better and safer bus stations and new shelters starting with Stanley and Durham City Centre, plus road upgrades to make sure your bus turns up on time.”
Elsewhere, an additional £2.5m is planned, subject to North East CA approval, for further countywide bus stop infrastructure improvements, building on the success of the council’s earlier settlement to improve bus shelters and associated infrastructure, as well as funding for ‘pocket’ park and ride space near busy stops.
