Northstar launches new routes

Northstar has launched two new express bus services.

The X22 will run from Chester-le-Street to the Metrocentre in just 24 minutes, serving all stops through Barley Mow and Birtley.

The X43 will travel from Stanley to the Metrocentre in 28 minutes, calling at Tanfield Lea, Tantobie, Burnopfield and Swalwell Bank in Whickham.

Both routes are to operate every Saturday and on weekdays throughout school holidays.

Northstar was set up in Apzril last year by Managing Director, Daniel Graham.

“We have now been operating local bus services for over a year, and local communities have been crying out for faster, direct bus links to the Metrocentre” – Daniel Graham, Northstar MD

Daniel said: “Northstar is only a relatively new bus operator, and when we first set the company up, we promised that we put people first – our customers, communities and our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do.

“We have now been operating local bus services for over a year, and local communities have been crying out for faster, direct bus links to the Metrocentre. I’m glad that Northstar has been able to step in to offer these.

“Journey times will be slashed with the launch of these new express services to the Metrocentre. We can get there in under 30 minutes, compared to the alternative which takes up to an hour when travelling via Gateshead on multiple services.”

The new Metrocentre Express services will be ran by a small team of regular drivers who live locally in Stanley, Chester-le-Street and Barley Mow.

Northstar operates other buses across the region, including local bus services in Sunderland, home-to-school contracts, and private hire buses for medium to large size groups.