UPDATE: Passengers are sounding the alarm over proposed changes to the critical X22 bus route, as Arriva launches a consultation that could reshape transportation from Peterlee to Middlesbrough. The current route connects vital locations, including Teesside University and North Tees Hospital, and is now at risk of being altered to serve Newton Aycliffe and Darlington instead.
Residents and commuters are voicing their concerns, urging Arriva to reconsider the impact these changes will have on their daily lives. Megan Hall, a hospital worker, expressed her alarm: “It’s very worrying that this has even become a topic for discussion. The X22 is essential for students and workers alike.”
The consultation is set to conclude on November 30, 2023, and local officials warn that residents face an “impossible” choice between two routes. With the former X21 service to Darlington already scrapped in July, many are unhappy that passengers now must navigate multiple buses to reach their destinations.
Keeley Buckley-Dance, a Teesside University student, highlighted the urgency of the matter: “It can already take me a couple of hours to get to uni sometimes if the traffic’s bad. I don’t want to be waiting around in the freezing cold at seven in the morning.”
The feedback from the community reflects a growing frustration. John Irvine, a local resident in his late 70s, recounted a taxing journey to Durham Hospital, emphasizing the long waits and transfers now necessary: “For a 9am appointment, I left the house at 7:15am and endured a complicated route just to get there.”
Local councillors have echoed these sentiments, urging Arriva to prioritize restoring service options rather than limiting them. Keeley Buckley-Dance and others argue that restricting bus routes only exacerbates the challenges faced by those who depend on public transport for work and education.
The survey aims to gather community feedback on these proposed changes, but many feel the options presented do not sufficiently address their needs. An Arriva spokesperson stated, “This survey is a genuine attempt to gather views from residents on how local bus links could be improved.”
As the deadline approaches, local residents are encouraged to voice their opinions. The outcome of this survey could have lasting implications for the community’s connectivity. With public transport being a lifeline for many, the urgency for feedback has never been more critical.
Next Steps: Residents are urged to participate in the survey and share their views on the proposed changes. The community’s voice is crucial in shaping the future of the X22 service, which many rely on daily.
