(14 Jun 2023, 10:39 pm)Jimmi wrote Different local authority for Darlington, so would be different people to go though and Darlington aren't one for supporting much nowadays, 16 is about the only thing that is, would make sense to alter the 16 route to cover parts being left without a service by the 3 being axed round Mowden but would mean there wouldn't be enough time to go down to Harrowgate Hill to serve that small unique section of route, not that it will be the only bit to lose a bus with much of the 3A stops being abandoned.
Sedgefield MP Phil Howell seemingly met with Arriva today and there doesn't seem to be any budging on Arriva's part at least with the 12 and the X21.
Basically, unless local authorities step in, then I think all links proposed to be withdrawn will be gone (few pieces saved like Cockfield on the 6 and the 59 in Trimdon is extended to Durham with Stagecoach running the contract, few evening runs have been saved on the 43 at least too).
Yeah, well aware it's a different shall we say, 'less generous when it comes to funding bus services' local authority for Darlington (only stuck it on the end of my DCC-related comment about the 84/85 to save double posting)! Indeed, the 16 is the only one after the once a week 20 got withdrawn. Tbh I reckon the 16 could do a loop of Mowden, in via Abbey Road, out via Pierremont, then follow the 3A route to Harrogate Hill also serving Glebe Road - not sure how long that would take even if a bus every 2 hours would still be better than none - I think the fact there's a quick fix by altering the 16 is why I'm surprised it hasn't been done, and the 12 because of the airport link. Tbh for Hurworth you could divert service 72 through Hurworth and back to Blackwell via Neasham Road and the A66 but with it being a NYCC tender may not be possible.
DCC are supposedly exploring options for replacing the Newton Aycliffe to Sedgefield section - the only realistic option I foresee is an extension to the 113.