Changes to bus timetables in Darlington will see more services introduced on key routes - but some have been scrapped. 

Arriva is due to implement the changes from Sunday, April 2, across the North East, with several services covering Darlington affected. The bus operator said the changes have been made following feedback from passengers. 

It comes as Arriva faces continued scrutiny from councillors over long-running issues including delays and cancellations. Residents say they have become isolated in cut-off communities as key services have been cut since the Covid pandemic. 

Cllr Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said the concerns have been relayed to Arriva bosses but admitted recent performances have been abysmal. “It’s something we’re working hard on and trying to move forward, there’s a lot of pressure we’re putting on Arriva,” he added.  

Which services will change? 

 

Service X66 Darlington to Middlesbrough

A new timetable will be introduced with changes to early morning journeys. An earlier journey from Middlesbrough to Darlington on Monday to Fridays and a later journey from Darlington to Middlesbrough on Sundays.

Services 2/2A Red Hall to Branksome

A revised timetable will be introduced to improve reliability with Monday to Saturday daytime buses operating up to every 15 minutes and with revised running times. Service 2A journeys will still operate providing a bus up to every 30 minutes at shift times. Some early Saturday and Sunday journeys will no longer run due to low passenger use. The services will no longer run through the Lingfield Point Estate.

Service X66 Darlington to Middlesbrough

A new timetable will be introduced with changes to early morning journeys. A new earlier journey from Middlesbrough to Darlington on Monday to Fridays and a later journey from Darlington to Middlesbrough on Sundays. 

Arriva apologised to residents for the ongoing issues and said improvements are being made, including a new timetable for the number two service which will increase services. 

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A spokeswoman said: “We are well aware of the service delivery related challenges which have been impacting our customers in recent months. For this, we apologise and would like to reassure our customers of our commitment to resolving these issues. 

“As well as introducing 14 new buses onto our network, we continue to heavily focus on driver recruitment (which we are seeing real benefit from and continually welcoming new drivers into our workforce) and we’re continually working on bus improvement plans. 

“As an example, our timetable for the number two service will change on April 2, introducing increased frequency for our customers.”