Rural bus service to increase frequency
StagecoachA bus service connecting rural communities and an airport is to increase in frequency.
Darlington Borough Council has handed extra funding for the 6/6A/6B service, which calls at Hurworth, Darlington town centre, Middleton St George, and Teesside Airport.
The Stagecoach service will operate hourly on Sundays and its evening services to Hurworth, Middleton One Row and Middleton St George will return for the first time since 2011.
Libby McCollom, the council's cabinet member for local services, said the service was a "lifeline for so many people".
The changes have been funded by Section 106 money from house builders to support services in areas impacted by new developments, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) said in March that other services, including 17/18, 3/4, and 16 would also continue until March 2026.
Tees Flex, which offers an on-demand service across Stockton, Darlington, Hartlepool and East Cleveland, was also extended and care leavers will be able to travel on buses for free until they are aged 25.
Steve Walker, managing director of Stagecoach North East, said: "This enhanced service will provide a valuable transport connection to some rural villages that have seen limited connection to the town centre in the last decade and will become a valuable asset for the residents."