A FREE bus service which has gone from strength to strength is now expanding to run on a weekend after it proved so popular with local residents.
The community bus, which was launched by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council in February, runs between Norton, Stockton Town Centre and Hartburn from Monday to Friday.
Since Service 87 began the number of people using the bus has continued to grow. Following feedback from users the Council has now extended the service to run on a Saturday. The new Saturday service will begin on Saturday, 14 October.
Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We know how much our communities value transport links across the Borough so we are really pleased that we’re able to extend this service which helps people access local amenities as well as the shops, facilities and year round events programme on offer in Stockton Town Centre.
“We’re also working to develop a new community bus service for people in the South of the Borough. We’ll be in a position to give out more details in coming weeks.”
Residents wishing to use the service must apply for a free membership card in advance to enable them to board the bus. Membership forms, along with route maps and timetable information, can be found on the Council’s website – www.stockton.gov.uk/communitytransport
Alternatively telephone the Council’s Economic Growth and Development Service on 01642 526709/524681.
The Community Transport Bus Service is supported by the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Operator Grant.