Bookable bus service launched for remote areas

Durham County Council says it hopes Link2Work will give people more access to bus travel

A bookable bus service has started to help people get to work, plugging a gap where local routes are not available.

Durham County Council has launched Link2work which allows passengers to schedule journeys to suit their needs.

Journeys can be booked up to 14 days in advance, and up to 17:00 BST the day before travelling, using a 24/7 phone line.

Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, Elizabeth Scott, said the scheme aimed to break down "barriers to learning, training, work, and social opportunities".

'Significant challenges'

After an initial free period, the fare will cost £2 per journey which is paid to the driver, and concessionary bus travel passes can also be used.

The Link2work service will cover:

• Stanley to Consett Hownsgill (Greencore)

• Stanley to Team Valley

• West Auckland/Bishop Auckland/Shildon to Aycliffe Business Park

• Trimdon/Sedgefield to Aycliffe Business Park

Ms Scott said Link2Work created more freedom for people who live in remote areas, and helped to promote "public transport and sustainable travel".

It comes as a second scheme has also been introduced in the county offering free bus travel to care leavers.

The service will be available to about 200 people aged 18 to 25 who have recently left local authority care.

Both schemes have been funded through the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which aims for bus travel to be easier and more affordable.