North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced £14.5 million in new investment to improve bus travel, upgrade key roads and transform Stanley Bus Station in County Durham as she delivers on her promise to create safer, more accessible and more welcoming journeys for residents.
The programme of improvements, backed by the North East Combined Authority, includes major upgrades to bus stations and shelters, as well as targeted highway improvements on some of the region’s busiest routes, reflecting feedback from local communities and passengers.
Stanley Bus Station set for £2.5m revamp
In County Durham, Stanley Bus Station will be modernised following a £2.5 million investment from the North East Combined Authority. The funding follows a successful bid from Durham County Council and will be used to improve safety, accessibility and the overall passenger experience.
Plans include a redesigned main entrance, upgraded digital passenger information displays, new seating layouts including designated wheelchair areas, refurbished toilets to improve disabled access, and enhanced lighting and CCTV. Improvements will also be made outside the building, including better pedestrian access to the station.
The proposals were shaped by public feedback, with more than 180 passengers taking part in surveys during winter engagement sessions. The project is expected to be fully delivered by Spring 2027 and supports wider objectives set out in local and regional transport plans.
£7.1m investment in safer, more accessible bus shelters
Across Tyne and Wear, the Mayor has announced £7.1 million of funding to deliver hundreds of new and upgraded bus shelters and stops, helping improve everyday journeys for bus passengers.
The funding, delivered by Nexus, will support improvements at 325 bus stops across Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside and North Tyneside. Planned works include new shelters, improved lighting, better seating and clearer timetable information, as well as changes to pavements and kerbs to improve accessibility.
Targeted improvements on Chester Road and Durham Road in Sunderland
In Sunderland, funding has also been approved for improvements along two key routes - the A183 Chester Road and the A690 Durham Road - benefiting drivers, pedestrians and bus users alike.
The works include £2.4 million of improvements on Chester Road and a further £2.5 million investment on Durham Road, following extensive public consultation where residents helped shape the final proposals.
Together, the projects form part of a wider programme of investment aimed at improving safety, accessibility and confidence in public transport, while supporting town centres and local economies across the region.