Vital bus services around Accrington will be saved

Pilkington Bus recently advised the council that they had reviewed some of their commercial services due to significant increases to costs and lower passenger numbers, concluding they would not be able to sustain a number of local routes.

Around 450 trips per day are taken on these local routes – 115,000 trips annually.

While the main routes in and around Accrington, Clayton-le-Moors and Oswaldtwistle would still be served by a regular local bus service if these services were to end, more localised areas would lose access to  more local bus services.  Failing to provide these would also impact bus users travelling across the whole Hyndburn area.

Lancashire County Council has stepped in to fund these services temporarily. After a period of consultation, the routes and timetables will be revised to increase service levels by filling in current gaps in the timetable and provide a Saturday service, to make the bus network more attractive to potential users.

Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport said:

"It is crucial that the bus network continues to provide all residents, no matter where they live, with connections to their friends and family, allow them to reach essential services, and access opportunities for employment.

"Supporting public transport means less congestion on the roads. Encouraging more car users to swap to the bus is better for the environment and has health and wellbeing benefits too.

"We will consult with users and stakeholders as to the best steps forward."

Find out more or take part in the consultation at Bus service changes and consultations - Lancashire County Council