Durham buses to get stand-out upgrade

A city centre transport upgrade is set to improve accessibility, safety and passenger experience.

Work will begin next week on key bus stands in Durham City after Durham County Council secured £1 million from the North East Combined Authority’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). 

The scheme will focus on bus stops on Millburngate, near North Road, introducing four new shelters with improved visibility, wider footpaths and raised kerbs to make boarding easier. 

Digital real-time passenger information and enhanced street lighting will also be installed.

The project forms part of a wider programme of BSIP-funded improvements across County Durham, including 446 new bus stop signs, the replacement of 90 shelters and accessibility upgrades at 50 locations, alongside the repositioning of benches and bins.

Councillor Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “The improvements we are undertaking in Durham City will make a positive difference to important and well-used bus stands. 

“Not only will the new stands be more accessible and welcoming for bus users, but they will also improve the experience for bus drivers and help the flow of traffic in the area.

“We recognise the vital role bus travel plays in connecting our communities and boosting our economy and are committed to doing as much as we can to improve services in County Durham.

“We would like to thank people for their patience and understanding while the work is carried out.”

Work is due to last around 16 weeks, with temporary changes to services during construction.

For more information about bus travel in County Durham, including changes to bus timetables and routes, visit www.durham.gov.uk/busmap.

The BSIP sets out regionwide ambitions to make buses a more affordable and practical alternative to using private cars for more people and helping existing passengers to travel more frequently.

To find out more, see here.

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