BUS passengers in Warrington are getting another big boost, thanks to the latest ‘Better By Bus’ improvements with the launch of six new routes.
Recent months have seen bus travel in Warrington go from strength to strength with £1 child and £2 adult capped fares, free concessionary pass travel at any time of the day, and enhanced timetables.
Now, Warrington Borough Council is driving forward with even more major improvements to services, with the introduction of six new routes.
The improvements support the ongoing work to make bus travel more accessible for everyone, with the new routes funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which is using £16m in government funding to transform bus services, improve timetables and reduce fares.
The new routes from September are:
•23 from Warrington Town Centre to Orange Grove/Avery Close via Orford Jubilee Hub and Ryfields retirement village – from Monday 4 September
•31, 31A and 33 (Honiton Way Shops Circulars and Penketh to Westbrook/Gemini Retail Park) – from Monday 25 September
•47 (Warrington Bus Interchange to Statham via Stockton Heath) – from Monday 25 September
•10 (Warrington Bus Interchange to Stretton via Walton Gardens, Daresbury Science Park and Hatton) – from Monday 25 September
•24 (Woolston to Birchwood) – from Monday 25 September
•B29 (Burtonwood to Westbrook/Gemini Retail Park via Omega South) – from Monday 25 September
Even more new routes, which will be rolled out in October, will also be announced shortly.
The latest figures show that the improvements being made across the board are having a big impact and tempting passengers back onto the bus. Over the past six months, bus passenger figures were up by 13% compared to the same period last year.
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “We want to make bus travel as attractive and affordable as possible, so that many more people use the bus on a daily basis. These latest improvements are part of this work.
“I’m delighted these new services are launching this Autumn, providing even more choice for local people travelling in and around the borough. It’s a great example of how we are investing in the future of our bus services.
“The improvements we are making are having a real impact, with passenger numbers up and confidence continuing to increase in bus travel as a reliable, punctual and convenient travel option.
To find out more about the Better By Bus scheme, visit: warrington.gov.uk/better-by-bus
*Please note – only one of the six new routes (Birchwood/Woolston) is being operated by Warrington’s Own Buses. Private operators have been commissioned to operate the other routes.
We're driving forward with even more major improvements to bus services in Warrington, with the introduction of six new routes from this week 🚌
Find out more below 👇 https://t.co/q0OHiSeuhJ pic.twitter.com/m6A0mMJSWW
— Warrington Borough Council (@WarringtonBC) September 25, 2023
2 Comments
Gary reports the information the council has given but it doesn’t tell us the routes or timetables for the services (including which days they run). It also doesn’t say whether they are covered by the Government Fare Cap or who they are operated by (other than the 25). The 23, B29,31,31A and 33 are operated by MD Buses (www.mdbus.co.uk) there is no information on their website. There is also no information on the council website or Traveline. The services concerned appear to have been registered since August according to the Traffic Commissioners.
From observations on a hobbyist site the Penketh shopping service to Gemini (33) travels along Sankey Way and Cromwell Avenue as far as the Westbrook centre in an apparent attempt to avoid as many houses as possible! A more rational route would have been via Sainsbury’s at Chapelford and Lidl at Omega South before going to Westbrook. Its journey after M&S would also take in Aldi. A really useful bus would have resulted.
They fail to tell the public enough information to use the bus and are no doubt surprised that patronage is poor. This council is not fit for purpose.
Gary is seeking to find out the information