Go North East, has invested £1.6m in seven Volvo/Wrightbus ‘deckers for its Middlesbrough-Newcastle X9/X10 services.
To improve reliability, a new timetable has also been introduced to reduce delays on key routes, particularly the A19.
New connections on the X10 include Dalton Park, after feedback showed that 50% of passengers support the shopping village stop-off.
With bright livery, wi-fi, leather seats, USB power sockets and next stop audio-visual announcements, the upper deck has tables, with snakes and ladders prints.
The launch saw MD Kevin Carr give Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen a tour of the buses in Stockton. Mr Houchen (Conservative) became an elected ‘Metro Mayor’ in May and covers the five boroughs of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.
“Sustainable, comfortable and efficient public transport and improved connectivity are a key part of our plans for the Tees Valley and I welcome the commitment shown by Go North East to supporting this and to putting passengers first and improving their journeys,” said Mr Houchen.
“This is a significant investment by Go North East, which will provide bus passengers with an enhanced service and fantastic new vehicles.”
Kevin Carr, Managing Director of Go North East, added: “Our X9 and X10 services have become something of an institution with local passengers, with many of them having frequented the services for many years.
“We know that nearly three quarters of them use the service for leisure purposes and nearly a quarter are commuters, so our new features and connections aim to enhance the journey experience.
“This latest investment, coupled with our recent £1.6m spent on rolling out contactless payments, shows our commitment to providing convenient, comfortable, safe and sustainable transport in the Tess Valley and wider region.”
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