The relatively new operator is expanding with the introduction of two services linking County Durham towns with Gateshead’s Metrocentre
North East operator Northstar has launched new express bus routes to Gateshead’s Metrocentre shopping centre from Chester-le-Street and Stanley which it says will halve journey times from the two County Durham towns.
Starting on Monday 21 July, the new X22 and X43 will operate every Saturday and on weekdays throughout school holidays. The X22 will run from Chester-le-Street to the Metrocentre in 24 minutes whilst the X43 will take 28 minutes from Stanley, with adult single fares of between £2 and £2.50, and up to three children aged 11 and under travel can travel for free from 21 July to 31 August when travelling with an adult holding a valid ticket. £1 single fares or £3 day tickets are also available for people aged 21 and under.
Managing Director of Northstar Daniel Graham said: “Northstar is only a relatively new bus operator, and when we first set the company up, we promised that we put people first – our customers, communities and our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. We have now been operating local bus services for over a year, and local communities have been crying out for faster, direct bus links to the Metrocentre. I’m glad that Northstar has been able to step in to offer these.
“Journey times will be slashed with the launch of these new express services to the Metrocentre. We can get there in under 30 minutes, compared to the alternative which takes up to an hour when travelling via Gateshead on multiple services.” The new Metrocentre Express services will be operated by a small team of regular drivers who live locally, adds Daniel.
