(28 Mar 2023, 8:29 am)tvd wrote Fair comments.  It's a shame Arriva won't try anything new or even enhancing a service without funding, and then when an alternative like this one comes along they complain to the traffic commission because of a technicality about the short  notice.
Arriva are far and away the best option of bus provision in East Cleveland, but like elsewhere they are always too quick to cut and consolidate rather than give an extra journey or route a try to help serve people better.

It's also worth remembering the point of the new 1 and 2 is to provide connections to the growing Skelton Retail estate, and Saltburn station from places like Loftus and surrounding areas which have been asking for a long time.  With all due respect to other route suggestions, the purpose isn't to provide a route to Stockton, Thornaby, Nunthorpe, Coulby Newham or anywhere like that. 

Long term, I'd imagine an improved DRT / Tees Flex service would be the best option, but I still hope this new service is a success.

Aye can't disagree about the cuts mind but surely this is the point of the Bus Partnerships which are coming in. If you want money from us to prop up your service then you need to do us a favor aswell.

It's all good taking money from the LA's but surely they should give something in return and small route modifications is that.

It'll be interesting to see what happens down there as like you said Arriva has effectively just blocked a local service when they're supposed to be forming a partnership. Not exactly the best thing to do when your meant to be working together and will no doubt leave a bitter taste for some. Mind for balance it'll be interesting if they actually discussed it with Arriva beforehand or just done the tender straight away without discussion. As that would be as bad in fairness and I can't fault Arriva for blocking it, if that's the case.