Bus stop boost rolls out in County Durham

Bus passengers in County Durham are set to benefit from a multi-million-pound programme designed to make stops safer, more accessible and more welcoming.

Durham County Council is delivering upgrades across the county as part of the £3.3 million Bus Stop Improvement Programme, backed by £1.8 million from the North East mayor’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. 

The scheme is part of a wider regional investment in public transport.

Works include installing new bus shelters, clearer signage and raised kerbs to improve accessibility. 

In total, the programme will add 446 new signs, replace 90 shelters, enhance kerb access at 50 stops and relocate street furniture such as benches and bins to make space for passengers.

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and environment, said: “Our bus network is a vital service to keep communities connected within County Durham and the wider region.

“This programme will see outdated facilities replaced with ones that more accessible and attractive. 

“The works will enable and encourage more people to travel by bus, helping them to access further opportunities for work and recreation and in turn supporting the county’s economy.”

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “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.”

Improvements have already been completed in Peterlee and Horden, with further work under way in Shotton Colliery, Wheatley Hill, Ludworth and Trimdon Colliery. 

Phase three will see improvements in Thornley, Shincliffe, High Shincliffe, Cassop and Bowburn.

The scheme will continue across County Durham until early 2026.

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