ONE of the country’s biggest bus operators yesterday (MonOct26) took over running a popular contract service between the centre of Durham City and its three park and ride car parks.
Arriva found itself at the centre of controversy when Durham County Council decided to give it the five-year contract for the service rather than the local company that had held it since the service started in 2005.
Arriva did not put in the lowest bid but county officials said that it scored more highly in the tendering process than its rivals.
The company beat contract holder Scarlet Band, of West Cornforth, and Go North East, who both criticised the council’s decision.
The park and ride service runs from the city centre to the car parks at Belmont, Sniperley and Howlands Farm.
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