North East Buses

Who has been awarded the 96?

(28 Feb 2025, 6:23 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]PB0002717/220 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Hartlepool to Peterlee
Service number: 23
Service type: Normal Stopping

Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/14 Registered (Short notice)
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Darlington to Colburn
Service number: X26 (X27)
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 10 Mar 2025

PB0002717/308 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Whitby to Loftus
Service number: X4 (X4A)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/387 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Middlesbrough to Guisborough
Service number: X93 (X94)
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/389 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Whitby to Scarborough
Service number: X93 (X94)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/309 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Middlesbrough to Easington
Service number: X4 (X4A)
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/306 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Markse to Guisborough
Service number: 81
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/397 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Skerne Park to Hummersknott
Service number: 3
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/575 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to Hartlepool
Service number: 58 (58)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/21 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Arnison Centre to Sherburn Village
Service number: D64 (64, 64)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/238 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to Newcastle
Service Number: X12
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/30 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to Bishop Auckland
Service number: 56 (56A)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/75 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to Brandon
Service number: 49 (49A)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/383 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to Hartlepool
Service number: 24
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/16 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to New Brancepeth
Service number: 48
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/15 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to Esh Winning
Service number: 43
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/382 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to Sunderland
Service number: 22
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/258 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Durham to Cockfield
Service number: 6
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/630 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Whitby Park and Ride to Whitby Park and Ride
Service number: P1 (P2)
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/201 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Red Hall to Branksome
Service number: 2 (2A)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/605 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Darlington to Mowden Estate
Service number: 17
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/273 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Darlington to Faverdale
Service number: 19
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/423 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Middlesbrough to Redcar
Service number: 62 (62)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/574 Cancelled
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Whitby to Lealholmside
Service number: 96
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025



PB0002717/239 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Middlesbrough to Durham
Service number: 1X12 (X12)
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/451 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Whitby Sainsburys to Sleights
Service number: 95
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/205 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Darlington to Ferryhill/Spennymoor
Service number: 8 (8A)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/307 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Middlesbrough to Redcar
Service number: 63
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/316 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Middlesbrough to Nunthorpe
Service number: 29
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/318 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Roseworth to Ingleby Barwick
Service number: 15
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

PB0002717/314 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Middlesbrough to Overfields
Service number: 9 (9)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/292 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Darlington to Tow Law
Service number: 1
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025


PB0002717/211 Registered
ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD
Route: Darlington to Bishop Auckland
Service number: 5
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 06 Apr 2025

I wonder what the 23 24 and 58 changes are, be great if the 23 went back to doing the full route to Dalton Park and Sunderland but probably not.

(01 Mar 2025, 2:23 pm)Teessider2014 wrote [ -> ]96 has been lost to another operator - no real shock with the state of Arriva’s operations around Whitby in the last couple of years!

95 amended to not operate into Sainsbury’s or Eskdale Estate - also operating into Whitby via New Bridge as new reg’s on vehicular access to the swing bridge come into affect.

The section around Eskdale Estate and the bit down to and over the swing bridge will now be on the 96 route, which is reduced to 3 return trips per day and will now be operated by 21 Transport.

Think most of the remaining changes from April 6th is just minor changes to timings, mainly just at peak times, plus the start of summer season on Whitby services.

Following the survey last year, service 56 will now operate in a loop from Coundon running direct along the A688 to Tindle Crescent and will then head into Bishop Auckland Town Centre.

(10 Mar 2025, 10:11 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ] The section around Eskdale Estate and the bit down to and over the swing bridge will now be on the 96 route, which is reduced to 3 return trips per day and will now be operated by 21 Transport. 

Think most of the remaining changes from April 6th is just minor changes to timings, mainly just at peak times, plus the start of summer season on Whitby services.

Following the survey last year, service 56 will now operate in a loop from Coundon running direct along the A688 to Tindle Crescent and will then head into Bishop Auckland Town Centre.

I believe it will be working off the 116R between Thornton le Dale and Lady Lumley School.

April changes (most of them anyway) now published by Arriva. https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...ast?page=1

The evening diversions for the 64 over the next 10 days are as clear as mud!

It's only Dryburn view closed for the first few evenings, anyhow. It's being done in stages.

(13 Mar 2025, 5:24 pm)9920up wrote [ -> ]April changes (most of them anyway) now published by Arriva.  https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...ast?page=1

Surprised that Arriva haven't taken advantage of the shambles at GNE and set up a genuine competitor to the 21/X21. They've got the depot to do it from the Durham end of the route and could probably get the vehicles. Dunno how easy it would be to recruit drivers though unless they offered an incentive for any GNE drivers to leave Washy / Consett.

Only issue is lack of support at the Newcastle end of the route with Jesmond gone.

Darlington service 8 will revert to its normal route between Newton Aycliffe and Rushyford via Central Avenue and the A167 following the completion of long term roadworks, effective May 4th 2025.

Registration number Operator name Service number Start point Finish point
PB0002717/638
New ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD 16 (16) West Park Harrowgate Hill
Effective Date 29 Jun 2025

(17 May 2025, 8:07 pm)Superman wrote [ -> ]Registration number Operator name Service number Start point Finish point
PB0002717/638
New ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD 16 (16) West Park Harrowgate Hill
Effective Date 29 Jun 2025

Wasn't expecting that registration, surprised they have got it now when they could have took it over in the first place when hodgsons pulled out

(17 May 2025, 11:37 pm)ross13 wrote [ -> ]Wasn't expecting that registration, surprised they have got it now when they could have took it over in the first place when hodgsons pulled out

It's a tender, isn't it?

I think it is, as TVCA mention they are funding it in their committee meeting paperwork.

The Arriva registration shows no subsidies. Service 16 was tendered by Darlington Borough Council when Hodgsons ran it, after they part funded it since COVID with Scarlet Band (previously wholly commercial). TVCA took over the tendering in 2024 when Hodgsons contract with DBC was expiring, and was won by Stagecoach. Hodgsons didn't submit a tender under the TVCA competition following their expansion in North Yorkshire at the time.

(18 May 2025, 8:44 am)cainebj wrote [ -> ]The Arriva registration shows no subsidies. Service 16 was tendered by Darlington Borough Council when Hodgsons ran it, after they part funded it since COVID with Scarlet Band (previously wholly commercial). TVCA took over the tendering in 2024 when Hodgsons contract with DBC was expiring, and was won by Stagecoach. Hodgsons didn't submit a tender under the TVCA competition following their expansion in North Yorkshire at the time.

Think the 16 has had various forms of financial support since Darlington Borough Council pulled support for all their remaining supported routes at the end of 2012, it got grant money at the start of 2013 (and shortened to its current route) and think DBC part funded the lesser used journeys on the service from some time in 2015 I think?

At very least, Arriva won't have to get to West Park 30+ minutes before the first departure on weekdays because it would otherwise exceed the maximum driving hours without a break that Stagecoach must do with coming light from Stockton (and Scarlet Band did prior to closure), service could do with a overhaul as it's rather tight for sticking to the timetable.

(18 May 2025, 8:44 am)cainebj wrote [ -> ]The Arriva registration shows no subsidies. Service 16 was tendered by Darlington Borough Council when Hodgsons ran it, after they part funded it since COVID with Scarlet Band (previously wholly commercial). TVCA took over the tendering in 2024 when Hodgsons contract with DBC was expiring, and was won by Stagecoach. Hodgsons didn't submit a tender under the TVCA competition following their expansion in North Yorkshire at the time.

The Traffic Commissioners' website does indeed show that 16 is not supported by subsidies. However, an item on Arriva's website suggests otherwise. If Arriva is taking it on commercially why would they need a contract for it?

We are pleased to announce that we have won a contract from Tees Valley Combined Authority (currently operated by Stagecoach). The service 16 in Darlington will be operated by Arriva from 29th June 2025.
This service will run Monday to Saturday connecting people between Mowden and Harrowgate Hill (off- peak) with additional peak hour extensions to Faverdale and West Park. The 16 service will connect people across Darlington, whether they are travelling to school, work, appointments or for leisure.
Please click here to view new timetable.
Don’t forget all adult single journeys are only £2.30 and under 21’s travel for £1.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...-west-park

(22 May 2025, 9:43 am)XQ Zero wrote [ -> ]The Traffic Commissioners' website does indeed show that 16 is not supported by subsidies. However, an item on Arriva's website suggests otherwise. If Arriva is taking it on commercially why would they need a contract for it?

We are pleased to announce that we have won a contract from Tees Valley Combined Authority (currently operated by Stagecoach). The service 16 in Darlington will be operated by Arriva from 29th June 2025.
This service will run Monday to Saturday connecting people between Mowden and Harrowgate Hill (off- peak) with additional peak hour extensions to Faverdale and West Park. The 16 service will connect people across Darlington, whether they are travelling to school, work, appointments or for leisure.
Please click here to view new timetable.
Don’t forget all adult single journeys are only £2.30 and under 21’s travel for £1.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...-west-park

The poster in the office states that it is only for 9 months

(22 May 2025, 7:45 pm)ross13 wrote [ -> ]The poster in the office states that it is only for 9 months

All the Tees Valley supported services are currently due to run until March 2026, with the exception of the Middlesbrough 101 and TeesFlex which is currently funded up until August 2025.

Service Improvements in the Tees Valley
from Sunday 20 July 2025

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...ees-valley

(24 Jun 2025, 9:42 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Service Improvements in the Tees Valley
from Sunday 20 July 2025

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...ees-valley

They seem surprised at the 16 doing well. 

Absolutely bonkers it didn't exist in the first place. 
Something slightly different and it seems to be doing well. 
They (and other operators) could learn from it.

(24 Jun 2025, 9:49 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]They seem surprised at the 16 doing well. 

Absolutely bonkers it didn't exist in the first place. 
Something slightly different and it seems to be doing well. 
They (and other operators) could learn from it.

They won’t learn a single thing from it though.

Extra X18 journeys over the summer holidays:  https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...for-summer

From 21st July and for the 6 weeks of the summer holidays, we will be providing an additional two return journeys between Alnwick and Berwick on Monday to Fridays, making it easier to reach the North Northumberland Coastline.

The additional journeys will depart from Alnwick at 1005 and 1410, returning from Berwick at 1205 and 1620.

Their will be no other changes to the service.

PB0002032/545
Cancellation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 695 Killingworth North Gosforth Academy

PB0002032/632
New ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 448 Guide Post Bedlington Station

PB0002032/628
New ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 392 Marden Est Benton Park View DSS

PB0002032/630
New ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 678 Whiltshire Drive St Thomas More RC High School

PB0002032/631
New ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 687 St Thomas More RC School Wallsend New Winning

PB0002032/346
Variation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 2 Blyth Morpeth - Kirkhill

PB0002032/627
Variation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 419 Morpeth Morpeth

PB0002032/508
Variation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 693 Wideopen North Gosforth

PB0002032/342
Variation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 43 Newcastle Morpeth

PB0002032/9
Variation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 45 Newcastle Dinnington

PB0002032/336
Variation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 44 Newcastle Dinnington

Arriva are running a special free Moorsbus service this Sunday (24th August 2025)

"45 years ago this Sunday a trainee manager at the United Bus Company at Loftus depot managed to convince his bosses to try a service across the Moors, and he called it the Moorsrider. We're celebrating that with a birthday surprise..."

(19 Aug 2025, 11:24 am)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Arriva are running a special free Moorsbus service this Sunday (24th August 2025)

"45 years ago this Sunday a trainee manager at the United Bus Company at Loftus depot managed to convince his bosses to try a service across the Moors, and he called it the Moorsrider. We're celebrating that with a birthday surprise..."

Interesting that they wouldn't take up the 2025 contract for the present services and thankfully Northstar stepped into the breach, again thankfully as given the current state of Arrivas fleet I wouldn't like to find myself stranded on the moors.

(19 Aug 2025, 8:20 pm)Robisdave54 wrote [ -> ]Interesting that they wouldn't take up the 2025 contract for the present services and thankfully Northstar stepped into the breach, again thankfully as given the current state of Arrivas fleet I wouldn't like to find myself stranded on the moors.

Arriva rarely broke down on Moorsbus in fairness and even when they did, no one was ever left stranded, as with Dalesbus too. East Yorkshire on the other hand seem to be having a right mare this year with it having multiple breakdowns. Arriva’s decision to not take on Moorsbus work was down to staffing issues at the time which for the depots involved have been essentially resolved.

(19 Aug 2025, 8:20 pm)Robisdave54 wrote [ -> ]Interesting that they wouldn't take up the 2025 contract for the present services and thankfully Northstar stepped into the breach, again thankfully as given the current state of Arrivas fleet I wouldn't like to find myself stranded on the moors.

Arriva are within their right to refuse any contract they are offered. They don't even need to give a reason. Stagecoach also didn't want to do it, for whatever reason they decided on.

Northstar accepted when asked. Equally, haven't had a perfect season themselves, but the distance doesn't help react quickly.

The decision to run a single day though is hugely different to a decision to run a full season, so not even sure why they are being compared. I think it's one of the office staff driving it.

is it not to do with driving hours?

6 days a week for one driver and the day he needs to be off is covered by another company sub contracted perhaps aka a branded Northstar bus will operate ...

Info of the Tees Valley changes, effective 2 November 2025 have been posted by Arriva:  https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...y-&-whitby


We will be making changes to some of our services in Tees Valley and Whitby so that they better reflect how customers are using our buses.

Middlesbrough Area

Service 8 Middlesbrough – Netherfields
Will run to a revised timetable. Mon–Fri daytime buses will run up to every 15 minutes.

Service 9 Middlesbrough – Overfields
Timetable revised to improve punctuality.

Services 17A/17B Middlesbrough – Thornaby – Stockton
Timetable revised to improve punctuality.

Service 63 Middlesbrough – Redcar
Revised timetable. Mon–Fri daytime buses will run up to every 15 minutes.

Service 805 Brambles Farm – Swans Corner
The full service is been withdrawn. The alternative service are services 5 & 5A.

Service X3 Middlesbrough – Lingdale
Minor late afternoon changes are being made. New later through journey will depart Lingdale at 16:54 to Middlesbrough.

Services X4/X4A Middlesbrough – Redcar – Loftus – Whitby
Sunday journeys between Redcar & Whitby continue through winter. The service will be every 30 minutes plus a new later Sunday evening journey will now depart Whitby at 19:38 to Middlesbrough.


Regional / Longer Distance

Service X12 Middlesbrough – Durham – Newcastle
This service will see an early morning change the 06:41am from Coxhoe has been extended to start at Sedgefield 06.28am for earlier Durham arrival.

Service X22 Middlesbrough – Stockton – Peterlee
Due to low passenger demand, most journeys will now run Stockton to Peterlee only.


Whitby & Scarborough Area

Services X93/X94 Middlesbrough – Guisborough – Whitby – Scarborough
X94 is been withdrawn for winter and will restart in April 2026. The evening & Sunday journeys (introduced in April) will continue through winter. Based on customer feedback. the service will also now stop at Swans Corner in both directions.

Whitby Park & Ride P1 & P2
Will stop for the winter months and restart in April 2026


Durham changes
Not posted by Arriva yet, but there's variations submitted for services: 6, 22, 23, 24, 43, X46, 48 & 49/49A from 2 November 2025 as well.

Changes primarily designed to help with Stockton’s staffing crisis… I would hope many of the reductions are temporary!

On top of these… operation of the 5a will move to Redcar and the X12 will be an entirely Durham production from November.

Impressed to see the additional journeys being kept on the X4 and X93 through the winter.

It is nice to see that some growth is now on the cards and the X3, X4, X12 all get some extensions.

(20 Sep 2025, 3:26 am)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Changes primarily designed to help with Stockton’s staffing crisis… I would hope many of the reductions are temporary!

On top of these… operation of the 5a will move to Redcar and the X12 will be an entirely Durham production from November.

Impressed to see the additional journeys being kept on the X4 and X93 through the winter.

It is nice to see that some growth is now on the cards and the X3, X4, X12 all get some extensions.

Are all the 5A moving to Redcar  so that probably means Stockton will lose pulsars with the 5a and same with the x12