Plans to pilot a ‘demand-responsive’ bus service across Tees Valley have been approved.
The Tees Valley mayor and combined authority have agreed the plans to help improve transport links in rural communities.
Residents in isolated communities in areas of Darlington, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland will be able to pre-book a bus via phone, smartphone app or a website.
The trial, which will last for at least three years, will be extended into other rural and even urban areas if successful.
Tees Valley mayor, Ben Houchen, said: ‘We’re driving cash into every part of our transport network, from upgrades to our major train stations, roads, and walking and cycling routes and an airport that’s now in our control - but I can’t nationalise buses.
'That’s why this Uber-style service is a great answer to get those people not served by other routes moving and where they need to be.’
