On-demand comes to Tees Valley

Stagecoach is launching an on-demand service in the Tees Valley.

Unveiled in Hartlepool, the Tees Flex service aims to help residents in more isolated communities across the region travel across Tees Valley. Nine new, high-quality Mercedes-Benz Sprinters will be used for the pilot, which has been funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

The pilot will run for three years. It has the potential to be extended across the region if successful.

Serving three key zones in Darlington & Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland, passengers will be able to pre-book the bus via a smartphone app, a website or over the telephone. They can request pick-up and drop-off points within the serviced area, and to destinations including train and stations along with hospitals outside of the area.

Stagecoach Chief Executive, Martin Griffiths, said: “New affordable and convenient transport solutions, like Tees Flex, can play a key role in helping to keep people connected in less populated areas, and most importantly to encourage people out of their cars and onto greener bus services. We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Mayor and Tees Valley Combined Authority to pilot this new service for the region.”