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.