Blackburn key local bus routes to come under new operators

The Blackburn Bus Company will replace Blackburn Private Hire as the primary operator for three local bus routes from May 18.

These are the 3, 10, 12A and 12C, and new ‘peak time’ journeys will also be introduced.

Blackburn Private Hire is withdrawing routes 3, 10, 12A and 12C from operation. The Blackburn Bus Company is stepping in to replace these services, thanks to support from both Lancashire Combined County Authority and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

In addition to preserving the existing routes and timetables, the Blackburn Bus Company will also add new ‘peak time’ journeys for each of these three services, improving travel options for Blackburn’s commuters and students.

The Blackburn Bus Company’s transport network covers local areas from the town centre, Feniscowles, Shadsworth, Brownhill, and Great Harwood – all the way to the regional hubs of Darwen, Accrington, Preston, Bolton, Burnley, and Clitheroe.

Following Blackburn Private Hire’s withdrawal, three local bus routes (the 3, 10, 12A and 12C) will soon join the Blackburn Bus Company family – starting Monday, 18 May.

             The 3 to Daisyfield, Little Harwood, and Sunnybower

             The 10 to Wensley Fold, Revidge, Bearwood, and Lammack

             The 12A/12C to Higher Croft, Blackamoor, and Royal Blackburn Hospital

With support from Lancashire Combined County Authority and Blackburn with Darwen Council, each route will also get additional ‘peak time’ journeys for passengers travelling to work, school, or college.

Buses will depart every hour Monday-Friday, some starting as early as 7:10am and running as late as 6:40pm, with 3 or 4 trips on Saturday depending on the service.

Transdev Blazefield Commercial Director Paul Turner said:

“We are delighted that these routes will soon be joining our Blackburn network, and that we can improve these services by adding extra journeys during the busiest times of the day.

“On behalf of everyone here at Transdev, I would like to thank both Lancashire Combined County Authority and Blackburn with Darwen Council for helping us ensure that local communities retain their regular bus link to Blackburn centre and beyond.

“We look forward to bringing our signature high-quality service to the routes and welcoming passengers on board these new services from 18 May.”

Helen Holland, Assistant Director for Planning and Highways at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

“Supporting our residents is at the heart of every decision we make, and ensuring continuity of these bus services has been our top priority throughout this transition, working with the Lancashire Combined County Authority.

“Thanks to Blackburn Bus Company, services previously provided by Blackburn Private Hire will face no disruption, providing reassurance for those who rely on these routes for work, education and daily travel.”

A spokesperson for the Lancashire Combined County Authority said:

“We’re delighted that we were able to work decisively with the Blackburn Bus Company to replace those services lost when Blackburn Private Hire stopped trading. It was a good test of the new arrangements and one we hope we passed to everyone’s satisfaction.”