A travel company has introduced a new ticket after the Hexham Courant and MP highlighted a parent's concern.

Stagecoach has created a cheaper ticket for passengers, who use the buses on the 685 route from Carlisle to Newcastle, after receiving complaints about pricing from parents sending their children to school. 

After the news of Stagecoach taking over Arriva earlier in the month, they announced the promotion of their under-19 pass, with one deal allowing unlimited travel for the day for £3.

However, it was revealed that this only applied to those in certain areas and was extended only to central Hexham.

Those living west of Hexham felt left out and were paying more than £4 for daily returns.

Stagecoach revaluated the problem after the issue was highlighted by local MP Guy Opperman and the Hexham Courant.

Since then Stagecoach has introduced a new ticket, the 'Flexi10', which gives customers access to 10 single journey tickets for the price of 8.

A spokesperson from Stagecoach said: “On Sunday 22nd January, Stagecoach took over from Arriva running the 685 route and began reviewing the range of ticket prices that had been on offer. 

“We were not aware of Arriva’s pricing strategy, and with the route now being operated solely by one operator this will remove any complexities in ticketing and make it simpler for customers going forward.

“Since this issue was brought to our attention by the Hexham Courant and the local MP we have moved to ensure that customers will now be able to purchase a ‘Flexi10 ticket’ on our Stagecoach App which will be a cheaper option for those who don't travel as regularly”.

READ Parent's outrage over Stagecoach bus prices to send children to school

It is hoped to save customers 20 per cent and the tickets can be activated at any time within three months of purchase.

Ann Connor, one of the concerned parents, was pleased to hear about the u-turn as she found it expensive for her children to go to school in Hexham from Bardon Mill.

She said: "I am really pleased that they have looked at a cheaper deal for those who are further away from Hexham.

"It is not a perfect deal, but it is something and is the start of progress to fairer ticket prices.

"Especially as we have no other bus company to choose from, and it is the only company to use."