Progress is being made to make bus stops across County Durham safer and more accessible.
Durham County Council is carrying out enhancement works to bus stops across the county as part of the £3.3m Bus Stop Improvement Programme, funded through the North East mayor’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
The council received £1.8m from the fund, with similar improvements planned across the region.
Work being carried out includes the installation of new bus shelters, enhanced signage, and raised kerbs to make stops safer, accessible and welcoming.
Across the county, the programme will see the installation of 446 new bus stop signs; the replacement of 90 bus shelters; improved kerb accessibility at 50 shelters; and the movement of street furniture, such as benches and bins, to make shelters more accessible.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and environment, said: “Our bus network is a vital service to keep communities connected within County Durham and the wider region.
“This programme will see outdated facilities replaced with ones that more accessible and attractive.
“The works will enable and encourage more people to travel by bus, helping them to access further opportunities for work and recreation and in turn supporting the county’s economy.”
North East mayor, Kim McGuinness, said: “We’re making real changes to the places where people wait for their buses.
“Bus stops and shelters might not always be the first thing people think about when improving transport, but I know that they make a huge difference to passengers.
“This investment is all about making bus stops safer, more accessible, and more welcoming.
“We’re installing new shelters, better signage, and raised kerbs to make boarding easier – simple improvements that will help people feel more confident using buses.”
Carried out in phases, the council has already delivered improvements to stops in Peterlee and Horden. Officers are currently working in Shotton Colliery, Wheatley Hill, Ludworth and Trimdon Colliery as part of phase two.
Phase three will see improvements in Thornley, Shincliffe, High Shincliffe, Cassop and Bowburn.
Works will continue to be delivered across the county until early 2026.