Get tips, information and resources on buses...
Where to get bus maps and timetables
The main operators in Tees Valley are Arriva, Go North East and Stagecoach.
For timetables and route information visit:
Arriva - www.arrivabus.co.uk - For Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool & Redcar.
Go North East - www.gonortheast.co.uk - For Stockton, Middlesbrough & Hartlepool.
Stagecoach Bus - www.stagecoachbus.co.uk - For Stockton, Middlesbrough & Hartlepool. Also operates the Tees Flex service in Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland and Darlington & Stockton.
...Or check out the live bus map on www.connectteesvalley.co.uk
Darlington has a printed bus map, it can be picked up at the Darlington Library or Dolphin Center in Darlington or downloaded here.
Other operators are:
Scarlett Band - www.scarletbandbuses.co.uk - For Darlington & Hartlepool.
Hodgsons - www.hodgsonsbuses.com - For Darlington.
Paul's Travel - www.facebook.com/Pauls-Travel - For Hartlepool.
Boroughbus - For Redcar & Cleveland.
Printed information can be found at local bus and train stations as well as libraries, tourist information and leisure centres.
No luck finding what you need? Give us a call on 01325 40 50 40.
Live bus information
Download the app. from the bus operator you catch to buy tickets to your phone, track your bus on a live map and much more!
Don't forget, live bus and timetable information can be found at www.connectteesvalley.co.uk.
Tees Flex
Tees Flex is the new, on-demand bus service now available in the Tees Valley. It is operated by Stagecoach in partnership with the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. The service connects smaller communities with main towns in their areas, where a bus service doesn't already exist.
How does Demand Responsive Transport work?
Using the all-new Tees Flex app (iOS and Android), customers will be able to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone. The app's algorithms will then allow multiple passengers to share the vehicle.
The app directs passengers to a nearby 'virtual bus stop' (within a short walking distance) for their pick-up and drop-off points, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips - without lengthy detours, taking customers where they like, when they like!
Where does Tees Flex run?
The Tees Flex service runs in three areas - Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland and Darlington & Stockton. For full details of where the bus runs, visit the Stagecoach Tees Flex website.
How to book your Tees Flex journey
Your journey begins with the Tees Flex app:
1. Download the Tees Flex app
2. Create your account
3. Register your credit or debit card, or pay via PayPal
Once you have registered your account:
- Step 1 - Select your pick-up point from one of the ‘virtual bus stops’ - whichever is closest to you!
- Step 2 - Choose your desired destination
- Step 3 - Select the time that's best for you
- Step 4 - Your Tees Flex bus will be with you in a flash
Find out more about destinations and costs on the Stagecoach Tees Flex website.
Get in touch
Phone: 0330 678 1545 (call FREE), Mon-Sat, from 7am to 8pm
Email: tees.flex@stagecoachbus.com
To find the best ticket try our ticket finder tool.
Contactless payment is now available on many buses which means it is even easier to catch the bus.
Bus Ticket Types
Travelling regularly?
Weekly, monthly and annual tickets can offer huge savings!
Family travelling together?
There are family tickets with most operators which offer cheaper fares for up to 2 adults and 3 children travelling together.
Some even offer unlimited travel across the whole of the North East!
Arriva - www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-east/north-east-all-zones
Go North East - www.gonortheast.co.uk/family
Students and young person's tickets?
There are also discounted tickets available for students and young people with Stagecoach and Arriva...
Stagecoach Unirider - is available to all students in full time education for travel on Stagecoach North East buses.
Stagecoach VIP - is available to anyone under 19 for travel on Stagecoach North East buses.
Arriva Young Persons' Saver - is available to anyone up to the age of 19 or in full time education for travel on Arriva North East buses.
For information, tickets and terms visit - www.connectteesvalley.com/youngdiscounts
Concessionary travel.
Available to eligible older and disabled people, it entitles you to free travel on local bus services after 09:30 weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday.
On Arriva, Go North East & Stagecoach buses, you no longer need to show you pass to the driver. Simply place the card on the ticket machine (and pay the fare where appropriate) and it will automatically issue your ticket.
On all other buses you’ll still need to show your pass to the driver.
Find out more at - www.connectteesvalley.com/Bus/bustickets.asp.
Combined bus & rail cards
Simply buy a PlusBus ticket with your train ticket and get unlimited bus travel on most operators services around the whole urban area of your rail-served town or city at a discounted price.
If you're traveling by train to/from a Tees Valley station then you can buy a PLUSBUS ticket here - www.plusbus.info/home.
Multi-operator bus travel
Need to hop on and off buses ran by different bus companies?
The Smartzone TeesRider pass allows unlimited bus travel on buses ran by Arriva North East, Go North East and Stagecoach in the Tees Valley.
You can purchase tickets and find more information at - www.connectteesvalley.com/smartzoneteesrider.
Travelling around the whole of the North East?
Need to travel by bus, Metro and ferry beyond the Tees Valley? Explore the whole of the North East with the Explorer North East ticket which covers Tyne & Wear Metro as well as the Shields Ferry.
With family tickets available, it can also be a cheaper option for a family day out.
Buy tickets and find out full information here - www.networkonetickets.co.uk/tickets/explorer.
There are a number of different ways you can purchase your ticket:
- On the bus – directly from the driver; single, return, daily and weekly tickets as well as family saver tickets.
- Online – monthly and annual season tickets from most bus operator websites.
- On your mobile – weekly, monthly and annual season tickets as well as student and family saver tickets at a discount.
For ticketing, timetable and journey planning by bus, visit - www.connectteesvalley.com.
You can now pay by Contactless on Arriva, Stagecoach and Go North East buses!
Have you reached the pensionable age? Are you eligible disabled?
You may qualify for free travel anywhere in England between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and any time on weekends and bank holidays. You have to have your concessionary pass to do so.
To apply for a concessionary bus pass please contact your local council:
Darlington - 01325 405222
Hartlepool - 01429 523331
Middlesbrough - 01642 726053
Stockton - 01642 528499
Redcar & Cleveland - 01642 444973
For further information visit - www.connectteesvalley.com/data/ticketing/concessionary_travel.pdf.
Save money
Some car users found that switching to the bus saved them over £150 a month!
Fuel and parking charges alone are expensive, why not give the bus a go and see what you could save?
How much does it cost to travel by car?
Calculate your journey here - www.preview.journeyprice.co.uk.
Lose weight and get fit
Usually you are no more than 400m away from a bus stop in the Tees Valley... that's 525 steps... that's around 1050 steps a day just to get to the bus and home again, not bad huh?
Studies have shown that in the UK that out of those who regularly use public transport, men weighed around 7lbs less, and women around 5.5lbs.
Hop on the bus today and see the change it could make to you!
Enjoy some free time to yourself
We understand that modern day life can get busy sometimes. Why not enjoy some time to so something for yourself on the way to your destination?
Sit back and relax knowing someone else is watching the road for you. With free WiFi and charging points on board many services, you can listen to music, catch up on social media or even play candy crush - whatever it is that brings some happiness to your day!
Reduce stress levels
Taking the bus is proven to be 33% less stressful than driving (University of Sussex).
Avoid driving in bad weather or sitting in traffic, catching the bus is a great way to start and end your day with some chilled out you-time.
Help save the planet
Did you know that one double decker bus can take up to 90 cars off the road?
Using the bus helps reduce our carbon footprint for a cleaner, greener environment.
Visit Greener Journeys for more reasons to make the switch to the bus - www.greenerjourneys.com.
How to contact your bus company
Questions or comments about your bus route?
Arriva:
Facebook - /arrivanortheast
Twitter - @arrivanortheast
Call - 0344 800 4411
Stagecoach:
Facebook - /stagecoachbus
Twitter - @stagecoachne
Call - 0345 121 0190
Go North East:
Facebook - /simplyGNE
Twitter - @gonortheast
Call - 0191 420 5050
National Express:
Facebook - /NationalExpress
Twitter - @nationalexpress
Call - 0871 781 8181
Find up to date contact details for bus companies in Tees Valley at - www.connectteesvalley.com/Bus/buscontacts.asp.
From 1 January 2014, the Department for Transport (DfT) have paid an annual grant to Local Authorities in England (including Darlington) to replace the “Bus Service Operators' Grant” for tendered services which, up until this time, had been paid direct to the bus operators.
As part of the grant conditions, Darlington is required to report on how they have made use of these funds by completing a short survey issued by the DfT, details of which can be found below.
All buses in Darlington and South Durham are low floor easy access, which means that the bus "kneels" down level to the kerb making it easy to board the bus with a mobility scooter or if you are travelling with children in a pushchair.
With a bit of preparation and planning, people with a disability can travel safely and with confidence on the bus.
There are a range of resources that can help you prepare to travel. For general advice and articles about travelling on public transport with a disability you may find the Disabled Travel Advice website helpful - www.disabledtraveladvice.co.uk/public-transport-category.html.
Before you travel, it is advisable to check that the bus route you wish to take is accessible. For more accessibility information, contact the relevant bus company directly. Their contact information can he found here - www.connectteesvalley.com/Bus/buscontacts.asp.
