(09 Jan 2016, 11:37 am)Andreos1 wrote There is also the Explorer ticket, which would be cheaper than the price quoted to use SNE and ANE via Middlesbrough (or Stockton).
In the service suggestions thread, I proposed a service between Hartlepool and Stockton, via Wynyard and Sedgefield. As well as improving connections to the employment sites at Wynyard and the proposed new school off the A689, it would assist people visiting North Tees hospital following the transfer of services within Hartlepool.
It could also give you the option of transferring on to a Darlo service in Sedgefield.
I do think it strange there is a lack of a direct service between Hartlepool and Sedgefield, but I wonder if it has anything to do with the villages in between.
I am not sure the demand would exist to add another bus to the villages and communities that already have a service to Peterlee or Durham.
Obviously those passengers would add to any through traffic on the Hartlepool - Darlo service.
The other option, would be to use the A66 - but that seems covered with the X66/67.
Going via the A689 would be commerical suicide - Stagecoach's 36 provides the link along that corridor into Hartlepool and to Stockton and Middlesbrough, plus there's little or no residences along the Wolviston-Sedgefield secition. Unless you served Wynyard - which is a high area of car ownership - you'd be running at a lose. The NHS already provide a shuttle between Hartlepool and North Tees themselves plus there's plenty of buses between Stockton and North Tees so there's already plenty of choice.