Darlington faces significant bus service cuts, impacting local travel and connectivity
Darlington: Recent reports reveal that the town has seen a massive drop in bus mileage, ranking it as one of the worst places in England for service cuts. The figures show a staggering 19.74 miles per person decline.
Over the years, bus routes in the area have faced multiple cuts, and issues like driver shortages have made things worse for frustrated commuters. It’s been a tough ride for many.
Private bus operators in Darlington have been hit hard, with essential routes to nearby County Durham and Tees Valley towns getting the axe. It’s a real blow for those who rely on public transport.
From 2011 to 2023, cuts to bus services in the most deprived areas were ten times worse than in wealthier regions, according to IPPR North. That’s just not fair.
The think tank also pointed out that bus mileage per person across England dropped from 25 to 18 miles during that time. If things had stayed the same, we would have seen an extra 395 million miles driven in 2023 alone.
Darlington is really feeling the pinch when it comes to local bus services. The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) is stepping in to help keep some services running and is working with operators to improve things.
A spokesperson mentioned that their funding has helped secure several local services, including routes 6/6A and 17/18, plus the new number 16. They’re also keeping rural areas connected with Tees Flex.
Government stats show that bus mileage in the North East has dropped from 105 million miles in 2005 to just 62 million in 2024. That’s a significant decline.
These cuts are being called “environmentally, socially, and economically damaging,” and there are growing calls for bus networks to be brought under public control to enhance services.
Silviya Barrett from the Campaign for Better Transport expressed concern over the disproportionate cuts in deprived areas, emphasizing that buses are crucial for people, especially those on low incomes.
IPPR North found that only nine areas in England haven’t seen bus mileage cuts since 2011, and they’re all in the south. The drop in public transport has led to an estimated 1.1 billion extra miles driven in cars and taxis this year, costing the economy £2.6 billion.
Even though bus usage is down, the TVCA claims that coverage in the region is better than it was before the pandemic. They’re working hard to improve services and make things easier for passengers.
They’ve introduced a £1 fare cap for young people under 21 and a £3 day ticket for the region. It’s a step in the right direction.
Recent surveys show that passenger satisfaction has increased from 76% to 80% since 2023. There’s still a lot to do, but new funding and plans are in place to move forward.
In the North East, Mayor Kim McGuinness has initiated plans to bring the bus network back under public control. However, transitioning to a franchise system with private companies could take a while.
