Cheaper travel for passengers as Arriva takes over Stagecoach's Darlington services

Bus passengers will be able to save money after Arriva NorthEast announced it had agreed to purchase Stagecoach’sDarlington operations.

The deal, subject to approval from the Office of Fair Trading,means that Arriva weekly, monthly and annual tickets will beaccepted on all buses in the town. Also for the first time alllocal bus services are set to be included on real time electronicdisplay boards across Darlington.

Services will not be affected by the announcement, while all 78Stagecoach staff will be transferred to Arriva with no change totheir pay and conditions.

Today’s deal will also mean Arriva moves from its towncentre depot at Feethams, freeing up the site for potentialregeneration.

Steve Noble, Arriva North East Managing Director, said:

This deal will enable us to provide passengers with abetter service.

Many people will see instant benefits, with ticketsbeing accepted on all buses in the town, and weekly ticketsbecoming cheaper for passengers who have previously used Stagecoachand Arriva routes.

Moving from our antiquated depot at Feethams will helpthe council redevelop this part of Darlington, while we hope toreduce congestion and pollution in the town centre by running allour buses from Stagecoach’s depot in Faverdale.

We look forward to welcoming Stagecoach staff toArriva.

The deal is conditional upon the OFT's confirmation it will notrefer the transaction to the Competition Commission. The OFT has upto 40 working days in which to confirm its position.