Bus service improvements to boost connections across East Lancashire
Bus passengers across Ribble Valley, Burnley and Pendle are set to benefit from new routes, more frequent services and better connections across the network.
The improvements, which were consulted on earlier this year, will come into effect from Sunday 25 October and are being introduced by Lancashire Combined County Authority, in partnership with Lancashire County Council.
Using HM Government Local Authority Bus Grant funding and contributions secured through the planning process, the improvements will help expand the local bus network, particularly in rural areas where many people rely on public transport. The changes include new services where there is currently limited provision, more frequent buses on a number of routes and revisions designed to help services work better together.
The improvements are designed to create better connections, enhance reliability and improve access to employment, education, healthcare and local services, while helping to make bus travel a more attractive and sustainable choice for the future.
The package includes a new direct bus link between Clitheroe and Colne, improved access to key employment sites in Pendle, enhanced services serving rural communities across Ribble Valley, and more frequent buses on a number of existing routes. Several elements of the final package have also been refined following feedback received during the public consultation.
Passengers can take advantage of the AnyBus East Lancashire ticket to travel on these new services as well as other bus services though out East Lancashire, more information can be found by visiting https://www.nowcard.org/anybus/east-lancashire/
Councillor Phil Riley, Chair of Lancashire Combined County Authority's Transport Advisory Board, said:
"We've listened carefully to the feedback received during the consultation and have used it to help shape the final package of improvements.
"We've focused this investment on areas where it can make the biggest difference, improving access to jobs, education, healthcare and local services, while strengthening public transport links for communities across Ribble Valley, Burnley and Pendle.
"They also include new links for some communities and more frequent services where demand exists, helping to make bus travel a more attractive and sustainable choice for the future.
"This investment demonstrates our commitment to improving public transport and building a stronger, better connected bus network for Lancashire."
All services will be operated by Vision Bus Ltd on behalf of Lancashire Combined County Authority.
Full details of the changes and updated timetables will be available ahead of the improvements coming into effect.
Notes to editors
Key improvements include:
- A new Service 80 between Clitheroe and Colne, creating a direct link between the two towns and serving rural communities including Sawley, Bolton-by-Bowland, Gisburn, Barnoldswick and Foulridge.
- A new Service 61 connecting Nelson Interchange with Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, creating a public transport link to a key employment area.
- A new Service 60B between Nelson and Brierfield, replacing part of existing service 69.
- Improvements to Service 65, including increased frequency, the introduction of a new Sunday daytime service and a revised route serving the growing Carr Hall Riverside Community and Business Park.
- Improvements to Service 25, including an enhanced hourly frequency and revised routing to serve Pendleton village and Peel Park.
- Improvements to Services 66, 67 and 68, providing better coordinated timetables and more frequent links between Nelson and Higherford.
- A package of changes to services in and around Clitheroe designed to improve connections, maintain local coverage and respond to feedback received during the consultation process.
- Revised timetables and route changes across a number of services to improve reliability and better coordinate services across the wider network.
About the Lancashire Combined County Authority
The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) has been established to devolve powers from central government to local decision-makers in Lancashire. As a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA), it brings together local councils to take a more strategic approach to priorities such as transport, economic growth, skills and investment. The LCCA aims to improve public transport, boost economic prosperity, enhance employment and skills, and secure investment to support growth across Lancashire. It is made up of representatives from Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire's district councils, working together to deliver strategic priorities for Lancashire.
More information about the Lancashire Combined County Authority can be found at: lancashire-cca.gov.uk