Care leavers to get free buses until aged 25
Sarah CaldecottCare leavers will be able to travel on buses for free until they are aged 25.
The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority (TVCA) approved funding to bring the area in line with the North East Combined Authority, which already provides free travel to those aged between 18 and 25 who have been in foster care.
It follows a request to the TVCA by all five borough council leaders last year to help care leavers, who face "unique disadvantage and challenges" when compared to peers.
The TVCA also said the £1 bus travel scheme for those aged 21 and under was set to continue beyond summer.
The TVCA said it was also extending a number of bus routes in Darlington until March 2026, which include the 17/18, 6/6A and 3/4.
The 16 service and Tees Flex would also remain in place for another year, the TVCA said.
Service 16 serves an estimated 35,000 passenger journeys every year between Harrowgate Hill and West Park through Darlington, Darlington Borough Council said.
Meanwhile, Stagecoach-run Tees Flex offers an on-demand service across Stockton, Darlington, the western part of Hartlepool and East Cleveland.
The services will be funded by the TVCA and the government's bus service improvement plan, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
A TVCA spokesperson said: "It's great we've been able to extend these much-needed services in Darlington and our wider region to ensure people keep connections to work, jobs and education.
"We're continuing to work hard behind the scenes with bus operators to get the best deal we can on a host of routes for the future."