NEW figures show that bus passengers in the Tees Valley are amongst the happiest in the country with the service they receive.

Research by the independent transport user watchdog, Transport Focus, reveals that 90 per cent of passengers on bus services in the Tees Valley are happy with their local bus service.

Satisfaction levels have been increasing steadily in recent years alongside a multi-million pound investment in services across the Tees Valley

The area’s major bus operators, Arriva and Stagecoach, have worked in partnership with local authorities to deliver the improvements package, with the Department for Transport providing £57m towards the scheme.

Phil Medlicott, managing director at Stagecoach North East, said “We have put a lot of investment into improving bus services recently including introducing free wifi onto a number of routes in the area and rolling out real time passenger information.

“We are really pleased to see that our passengers are noticing the difference and look forward to welcoming even more happy customers on board.”

Nick Knox, managing director of Arriva North East added: “Together with the Tees Valley local authorities we are aiming to deliver one of the best public transport systems in the country and are planning to roll out even more improvements, including smartcards in the near future.

“We’re really pleased to see such high levels of satisfaction and with over 9/10 buses running on time we hope more people will give their new and improved bus service a go.”