Future of Tees Valley Flex Bus uncertain as pilot scheme ends
The future of a subsidised bus service - designed to reach isolated parts of the Tees Valley - is uncertain as a pilot scheme comes to an end.
The future of a subsidised bus service - designed to reach isolated parts of the Tees Valley - is uncertain as a pilot scheme comes to an end.
It's been suggested that the Flex Bus - which works on demand, across Hartlepool, Darlington, Stockton and Redcar - will not continue when the trial period ends next month.
MP Alex Cunningham recently claimed on Twitter that Tees Flex, which is operated by Stagecoach, was set to be “axed”, while concern has also been expressed by members of the public who use the service.
The trial period is due to end on February 24 with The Tees Valley Combined Authority reviewing the service and stating next steps are still being considered.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has been told that drivers were given notice that the service was not continuing after the pilot ends, but a spokesman would not comment on this, reiterating that “no decision has yet been made”.
Customers order one of nine mini buses to collect them using a mobile app, or by calling a telephone number.
In its first 12 months it made 45,800 journeys, although its patronage was hit by the covid-19 pandemic.
While some residents have found it useful, there have been complaints about the service being under-used and unreliable on occasions.
In October 2021, a scrutiny committee meeting at TVCA heard that 60% of the mileage buses were undertaking involved just one passenger.
Speaking at the meeting, Stockton councillor Norma Stephenson said: “I don’t know whether we are wasting a lot of money on a service that would probably be cheaper if we took an account out from a taxi company.”
It was said to be carrying about 1,500 passengers a week at that stage with 67% of those pensioners.
One resident said it was a “lifeline” to many villages and communities in the Teesside area and no information had been given to passengers about its future.
He said: “There are certain times of the day when it is difficult to access the service as it shows up very busy on the app and instructs you to try later.
“You can schedule a pick up time for later, but not everyone knows when they need to travel.
“Overall though it is a good service and many people rely on it.
“It would be a travesty after all of the money and effort put into it if it was lost.
“I would have thought that discussions should have already been held, especially when it was promoted as the future of rural travel.”
Addressing the current position, a TVCA spokesman said: “No decision has yet been made on Tees Flex as the pilot is not yet finished, but it will be discussed by the mayor and the five local authority leaders at a cabinet meeting at the end of the trial to decide next steps.”
Another TVCA-funded bus service has had its funding extended for another eight months, through to September.