A £3 million on-demand bus service has been introduced to connect isolated communities across the Tees Valley. Known as Tees Flex, the is funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and and will be operated by Stagecoach during an initial three-year pilot period.
The fleet consists of nine Mercedes Sprinter buses designed to serve rural areas in Darlington, Stockton, Hartlepool, and Redcar & Cleveland. The service aims to assist residents in accessing essential services, local shops, employment opportunities, and social activities.
Passengers can book their journeys via a smartphone app, website, or telephone. The service operates six days a week, picking up and dropping off passengers at requested points within defined areas, including connections to key destinations like train stations, hospitals, and Teesside International Airport.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen stated that the project addresses the need for better transport in rural locations. By providing a flexible, affordable alternative to traditional fixed-route buses, the authorities hope to bridge the gap for students, families, and elderly residents who previously faced limited transport options.
Stagecoach North East Managing Director Steve Walker highlighted the company's role in the . noted that the service is intended to help residents play an active role in their communities by providing better access to education, training, and healthcare.
Archive : This story is based on reporting originally published by Tees Valley Combined Authority on 2020-03-02. The original source image has been and credited.