Extra Capacity for Durham Student Buses

To make students' journeys to school and college easier this term, Go North East is increasing capacity by adding extra buses to several busy morning routes into Durham city centre, starting on 30 September 2024.

These improvements respond to a significant rise in students choosing public transport to travel to New College Durham, St Leonard's Catholic School, and other local schools.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Service 16a: The 07:46 service from Stanley will now depart earlier at 07:29 from Harelaw Bank Top. This adjustment will help reduce crowding on the following service 16 into Durham from Stanley and Sacriston.
• Service 50: An additional bus has been added between Washington, Chester-le-Street, and Durham. The new bus departs from Concord Bus Station at 07:18 and arrives in Durham at 08:20, providing more seating for the busy morning commute.
• Service X15: An extra bus departs shortly before the 08:00 service from Consett to New College Durham (arriving 08:32) and Durham Bus Station (arriving 08:45).
• Service X21: An additional bus departs just before the 08:03 service from Spennymoor to Durham Bus Station (arriving 08:27) and New College Durham (arriving 08:35).

In addition, extra buses are already available during term-time to support students and commuters on the following routes:

Ben Maxfield, Business Director at Go North East, said: "We understand the importance of reliable public transport for students accessing education. We actively monitor demand and listen to customer feedback to make changes where needed, especially at peak times."

Students are encouraged to check the updated timetables and take advantage of the extra services to make their journeys smoother.

27 SEPTEMBER 2024

NOTE TO EDITORS

Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas.

The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all.

For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.

Press and media contacts:

Ben Maxfield

Business Director, Go North East

ben.maxfield@gonortheast.co.uk

Telephone: 07890 436531