A new direct bus service linking Darlington, Teesside Park and Teesside International Airport has launched across the Tees Valley.
Stagecoach runs the X60 for the Tees Valley Combined Authority, with hourly services from Monday to Saturday except bank holidays.
Catherine Furlong, centre director at Teesside Park, said: "The new X60 bus route marks such an important moment in connecting communities and opening up opportunities across the Tees Valley.
"The new direct link will give our colleagues, customers, and community groups more choice, fewer changes, and greater independence when travelling.
X60 Service Teesside Park to the airport and Darlington (Image: Dave Charnley)
"The X60 service is the sixth bus route to serve Teesside Park and demonstrates our clear commitment to make the centre even more accessible for more people.
"Each new connection helps remove barriers to travel, supporting our colleagues, customers, and local communities while encouraging more sustainable journeys across the region."
The express service stops in Darlington town centre, opposite Darlington railway station, and at Middleton St George, Teesside International Airport, Long Newton, Elton, Hartburn, Stockton High Street, Thornaby Station and Teesside Park.
David Parker, commercial director for Stagecoach North East, said: "Our new service provides a handy express link for those across the Tees Valley, connecting a number of communities along its journey.
"Customers will be able to plan journeys, check live times, and buy tickets through the Stagecoach app, and we'd encourage people across the area to give the new route a try on their next trip through the region."
It is the only direct public transport link between Teesside Park and the airport.
Councillor Steve Harker, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and digital infrastructure at the Tees Valley Combined Authority, said: "Reliable bus services are a lifeline to so many people, connecting them to jobs, training, healthcare, shops, and leisure, and the X60 is a great example of what can be achieved when we work in partnership with operators and local businesses.
"This route links rural villages and Darlington with two of the region's most important destinations in Teesside International Airport and Teesside Park, opening up opportunities for residents and supporting the local economy.
"It's part of our wider commitment to building a bus network that works for the whole of the Tees Valley."
Councillor Paul Rowling, deputy leader at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "Teesside Park is one of the biggest employment and visitor destinations in the borough, so better bus access to the site is welcome news for local residents.
"Improved public transport helps more people get to work, reduces congestion on our roads, and supports our ambitions for cleaner, more sustainable travel.
"We'll continue working with partners to make sure our communities are well connected."
The X60 launch follows Teesside Park’s recent 'Coach Friendly' accreditation from the Confederation of Passenger Transport.
Teesside Park is the first destination in the Tees Valley to receive the accreditation.
The X60 joins five other bus routes serving Teesside Park.
Transport leaders say the new service will give communities across the region more accessible travel options.
It also supports efforts to promote greener transport.
The Teesside Park website has the full timetable and details of every bus route serving the centre.