In a landmark development, residents and visitors in Lancashire are set to benefit from a host of new and improved bus services. These enhancements, which take effect in September, have been made possible by increased funding through HM Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
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| Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison) |
The aim is clear: to make buses more attractive and convenient, thereby encouraging more people to use them. With more frequent services, extended routes and an ambitious fare initiative, Lancashire’s bus network is poised to undergo a transformation. Below, we delve into the key changes and their implications for the county.
From September, several key regions across Lancashire will experience improvements to their bus services. These changes include new routes, more frequent journeys and extended operational hours, particularly in areas where demand is high, such as the early morning and evening periods. Among the areas set to benefit are Lancaster, Garstang, Poulton, Blackpool, Morecambe, Heysham, Halton, Caton and Hornby, with enhanced services also extending to Blackburn, Southport and Preston.
One of the main beneficiaries of this funding boost is Lancaster. A raft of new services will be introduced, with particular focus on evening and Sunday services. Residents of the Lune Valley, including areas like Halton, Caton and Hornby, will be pleased to hear about the introduction of evening journeys on key routes such as Service 81, which will operate additional journeys until nearly 11 pm.
County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, expressed his excitement about the improvements:
"Thanks to the funding we have secured from the Department for Transport for our Bus Service Improvement Plan, there will be many improvements to services in Lancashire. One of our main aims is to encourage more people to use the bus by providing extra journeys at times that people find convenient."
This sentiment encapsulates the focus on meeting the needs of modern-day passengers. It’s hoped that the extended services, particularly those running later into the evening, will attract more commuters and leisure travellers alike.
For commuters, the expanded bus services offer greater flexibility, particularly for those who rely on public transport to get to and from work. Key routes like Service 42, which connects Lancaster, Garstang, Poulton and Blackpool, will benefit from more morning journeys, enhancing accessibility for early morning travellers. The introduction of new early morning services on routes such as Service 375 between Skelmersdale and Southport will also be welcomed by commuters who need to start their day early.
Councillor Swarbrick believes that these changes will have a far-reaching impact, particularly for those who rely on buses for their daily travel needs:
"Enhanced daytime frequencies and later services are often helpful to people who use the bus to get to and from work, as well as being convenient for anyone going out for the evening or visiting friends and family."
Moreover, the additional services will cater to social travellers. Evening journeys across multiple routes provide a new level of convenience for people visiting friends or enjoying a night out, addressing a gap in the current service provision where many routes ceased operation earlier in the evening.
One of the standout features of the new service timetable is the enhancement of Sunday services. With the increase in demand for weekend public transport, particularly for leisure and shopping purposes, Lancashire County Council has focused on bolstering these services. For example, Service 100 between Lancaster and Heysham will now operate every half hour on Sundays. This change is expected to have a significant impact on weekend footfall in towns such as Morecambe, which is a popular destination for visitors.
A significant part of Lancashire’s public transport vision is ensuring seamless connectivity not only within the county but also across its borders. One of the biggest improvements comes in the form of better links to neighbouring regions. Key routes such as Service X2 between Preston and Southport will see increased frequency, with buses running every 30 minutes on weekdays. This will cater to both commuters and leisure travellers who often travel between Lancashire and Merseyside.
In addition, new services like Service 12, which will connect Blackpool, Victoria Hospital, Bispham and Poulton, are expected to improve access to healthcare facilities. This is part of a larger effort by Lancashire County Council to improve public transport links to essential services, particularly for those who do not have access to private vehicles.
One of the most innovative measures introduced as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan is the £1 fare scheme. Under this initiative, passengers can travel on any bus in Lancashire for just £1 after 7pm, seven days a week, including all day on Sundays. This affordable fare scheme is designed to encourage more people to choose buses for their evening travel, particularly when other transport options may be limited.
County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick has called on residents to take advantage of this opportunity:
"For the people of Lancashire, this is a huge benefit as they can now travel on any bus in Lancashire for £1 for each journey, after 7pm, 7 days a week and all day Sunday. I'd encourage as many residents as possible to try them out."
The scheme aims to increase bus usage during off-peak hours, making public transport an even more appealing option for both regular commuters and casual travellers.
A key part of Lancashire’s bus service strategy is long-term sustainability. The increased funding is not just about short-term improvements but also about building a more robust, sustainable public transport network for the future. By working closely with bus operators such as Stagecoach and Arriva, Lancashire County Council hopes to increase passenger numbers, making these services financially viable in the long run.
The funding from HM Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan provides an opportunity to invest in infrastructure, but sustainability will only be achieved if the public embraces the improved services. Councillor Swarbrick has stressed the importance of growing passenger numbers as a means of ensuring the future of these services:
"Our aim is to get more people using buses by making them a more attractive and convenient option, and the funding we've secured gives us the chance to make some really significant improvements."
One of the major successes of this initiative is the collaboration between Lancashire County Council and neighbouring authorities, including Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Merseytravel. This partnership approach has allowed for better coordination of services across county lines, ensuring that passengers experience smoother journeys and improved connectivity throughout the wider region.
The upcoming improvements to Lancashire’s bus services mark a significant turning point for public transport in the county. With more frequent services, enhanced routes and affordable fare initiatives, the changes are designed to encourage more people to embrace bus travel as a viable alternative to driving.
As Councillor Rupert Swarbrick has highlighted, the ultimate goal is to create a public transport system that is not only sustainable but also meets the evolving needs of the public. By making buses more convenient, accessible and affordable, Lancashire is taking a major step towards a greener, more connected future.
For residents and visitors alike, September’s changes will offer a new level of service, one that puts passengers first and opens up new possibilities for travel across Lancashire and beyond.
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