Several “crucial” bus services connecting North East residents have been saved from cuts after a "last-minute agreement".
The number 12 service in Hurworth, Darlington has been saved after facing the axe after five local authorities "stepped in" to keep a number of key services for residents.
The 29 route, which serves Cypress Road in Marton, on Teesside, will now also be saved as both an evening and daytime service after lobbying, and the local authorities reaching agreements with service operators.
The 28 service will also continue to serve Nunthorpe Village, subject to Middlesbrough Council tackling road safety concerns.
Darlington's number 4 service has also been saved for Sunday and evenings, along with the D3 and 3A service for between Monday to Saturday.
It comes after residents feared their village could become isolated if plans to withdraw the "lifeline" number 12 service went ahead.
Passengers said dozens of people use the 12 each day for supermarket shopping, dental and hospital appointments and social engagements in Darlington and further afield.
Mayor Houchen said: “Cutting services was a commercial decision by Arriva after we gave them a fair and equitable offer based on Government guidelines and previous calculations.
“This decision was entirely out of our hands – and it was an incredibly disappointing one given all the support they’ve received in the past.
“But we’ve listened to local people’s concerns and know how important these vital services are, so have worked extremely hard behind the scenes to find a way forward. The solution has come with new Government funding, which we’re part-using to bolster these routes.
“I’m pleased the number 12 will keep running given its importance to Hurworth, and the number 17 will continue to ferry pupils to school in Eaglescliffe and Ingleby before the summer break.
“We’re also protecting the number 29 in Middlesbrough and fighting to do whatever we can to support other services.”
A continued Sunday bus service for Saltburn, Skelton and Lingdale will also be maintained as part of the X3 service through to Middlesbrough.
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Sadly, agreement could not be reached on the 5 service continuing to serve Skinningrove.
The new Stagecoach 2 service, however, will serve the village with a final service departing from the village at 10.15pm, Monday to Saturday.
Owing to Arriva's internal operational restrictions and trade union rules, there will be a gap in services between July 9 and early September subject to authorisation from the traffic commissioner.
Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “I welcome the news that our councils are largely stepping up to the plate with support from Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, in order to save the great majority of key services which were at risk.
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“Having spoken to hundreds of local people over recent weeks, I know exactly how vital these bus connections are for communities ranging from Marton all the way to the East Cleveland villages and this is what I've been emphasising to both our councils and Arriva.
“I'm disappointed that Arriva and the trade unions are unable to find a way to avoid a gap in services over the summer, but this is a big improvement on where we were.
“I can commit that, as we move forward, I will be pressing the case for better services to those villages - North Skelton, New Skelton, Skelton Green and Boosbeck - which do not currently benefit from the new 1 and 2 services starting in July.
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“I will also make sure that the works required to ensure the 28 service continues to serve Nunthorpe Village are conducted by Middlesbrough Council.
“One thing it is really worth emphasising in East Cleveland is the excellent Teesflex service which can be booked online, on the app or by calling or by calling 0330 678 1545.”
Agreements have been reached on the following routes:
- Service 12 – Darlington
- Service 4 (Sunday and evenings) – Darlington
- Service X3/X3A/3 (Sunday) – Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland
- Service D3/3A (Monday to Saturday) – Darlington
- Service 17/17A/X17 – Middlesbrough and Stockton
- Service 12 & 17 combined (exploring new future service)
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