Mayor unveils £1.8 million bus stop boost

A North East transport initiative is driving infrastructure improvements across County Durham, with hundreds of local bus stops set to be upgraded.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has allocated £1.8 million to enhance 444 sites as part of a £3.3 million regional Bus Service Improvement Plan. 

Plans include 168 new shelters with improved signage, 444 new stop flags, 50 raised kerbs for better accessibility and 11 furniture relocations to enhance accessibility and reduce obstructions.

The investment follows earlier commitments to cap fares and introduce a £1 flat rate for under-21s.

Mayor McGuinness, said: “We’re making real changes to the places where people wait for their buses. 

“Bus stops and shelters might not always be the first thing people think about when improving transport, but I know that they make a huge difference to passengers.

“This investment is all about making bus stops safer, more accessible, and more welcoming. 

“We’re installing new shelters, better signage and raised kerbs to make boarding easier - simple improvements that will help people feel more confident using buses.”

Work is already underway at stops in Shotton Colliery, Annfield Plain and Bishop Auckland, with further improvements set to be rolled out in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear later this year.

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