I can't see this posted anywhere else, but I've noticed on the NECA delegated decision report from 22nd April 2026, there's a 'Rural
Optimised User-centred Transport EcoSystem (ROUTES) trial' worth £900k been approved, funded under the North East BSIP. The initial suggested area is the initial suggested area is around the three-way Northumberland/Gateshead/County Durham border near Blackhall Mill.

It looks to be a 12-month pilot scheme to improve transport in rural areas with poor connectivity, but using a combination of DRT and some fixed-route services. The idea is to connect people to the existing networks, rather than replace, and there's a claim it'll provide up to an extra 95 hours of public transport per week.

Where this seems to differ from other DRT schemes, is that it's ran as a Community Transport service by a consortium made up of Weardale
Community Transport, Edge Innovation, Connected Places Catapult, Rural Design Centre and Derwent Valley Car Club, rather than a tender award as a service contract.

Within the award is funding for the purchase of 5 vehicles (minibuses + wheelchair-accessible vehicles)

I think this links with some of the concerns that Northumberland in particular raised around the BSIP, and areas within that county being left behind, so I'm not at all surprised to see a trial like this take place. There's not a fixed date for this starting yet, as there's some consultation and further research to be had before that, according to the report.