Press releases

• Improved reliability to encourage more people onto buses
• Local authorities committed to delivering better bus priority measures
• Bus drivers consulted for suggestions to enhance service provision
• Some 40,000 Durham homes to receive network information

Changes to bus services in Durham are set to vastly improve public transport for thousands of people travelling around the city.

The programme of changes on Arriva's commercial network follows consultation with customers, potential customers, local authorities and special interest groups across the region to help reflect the real needs of the people of Durham .

Supporting Arriva's commitment to providing better bus services, local authorities are planning to introduce improved bus priority measures and Durham bus station is set to benefit from better lighting and more signage to enhance safety and improve its general ambience.

Liz Esnouf, commercial director of Arriva North East, said:

We want to encourage more people to use buses more often. These network changes will make travelling by bus with Arriva easier, more accessible and a better experience.

Durham 's bus network has evolved into a complex and confusing structure. We're delivering a simplified network with better reliability which reflects the real needs of the majority of people in Durham.

She said:

Working in partnership has been key to the developments. Bus priority measures are central to the success of local bus services and we're pleased with the positive response of Durham County Council.

Adrian White, business manager public transport, Durham County Council, said:

We are supportive of moves by Arriva to simplify the network and share Arriva's confidence that these changes will improve the reliability of bus services around the City.

We know that, ideally, people would like a bus passing down their own street every few minutes or at a time when it suited them, but bus operators have to run services economically as well as efficiently and balance costs with convenience.

We are satisfied that Arriva are taking a realistic approach to balancing the aspirations of bus travellers and the operational demands of running a reliable bus service and we consider that overall, the proposed changes should bring benefits for thousands of existing travellers and help to encourage greater use of public transport in and around Durham City.

Improving service reliability has been a key factor in Arriva's developments and a central part of the planning process of the reviewed network. Liz said:

Who better to ask about enhancing reliability of our services than our drivers? They've been a tremendous help by giving us real, on the road information about conditions and appropriate turnaround times.

One of the improvements includes a new, direct half hourly link from Brandon to Dryburn Hospital in direct response to public requests. And all services from Gilesgate will travel along Claypath, giving people better access to shops.

The upgrading is also reflected on board to create a better ambience as many buses will benefit from refurbished seating. And, following customer feedback, Arriva is also introducing a top quality cleaning regime.

Liz added:

Continually improving standards is a vital part of making bus travel more attractive to more people. We're introducing better cleaning performance standards including a regular monitoring process, and are focusing on attention to detail to ensure that we provide our customers with an improved journey experience.

Arriva has learned through customer feedback that more information on bus service options would make people more likely to use services. Liz Esnouf said:

In direct response to this, and in partnership with Durham County Council, we will be providing high quality, easy to understand information at every bus stop along our routes. We are also distributing information and bus network maps to around 40,000 households around Durham.

Notes to editors

• Arriva North East's service changes will be effective from 27 June. They will impact on services in Durham District.
• From 8 June, customers can find out more about the service changes by contacting Durham bus station on 0191 384 3323. Details will also be made available at www.arriva.co.uk.