(01 Jan 2020, 8:32 pm)Adrian wrote The Explorer ticket was never intended to be a commuter ticket, but it was also introduced at a time where monopolies didn't exist as they do now. Something like Smartzone would be ideal for County Durham, as long as it included access into Newcastle. Similar to how the Durham District does with the X12, and the Durham County does for journeys starting or ending inside County Durham.


Durham Bus Station won't be much different in size, when it is finally rebuilt. There was of course the failed plans, which would have seen the North Road roundabout ripped out, and the new bus sited where Metcalfe House is. That wouldn't have been much bigger than the current.



Durham Bus Station does have a problem with it being misused by operators (buses being dumped on stands), but its certainly not as bad as suggested. I've used it a bit longer (most weekdays since 2006) and I cannot recall seeing a bus have to circle it more than once.

Stanley is having similar issues with ASB to what Peterlee is having. I noticed in the paper that Hetton was even worse. The local authorities, police and operators really need to get their heads together, and come up with some multi-agency approach to it. It does nothing to encourage bus use, when passengers are having to wait in that environment.