Warrington Borough Council has announced that it will be introducing improvements to bus services in the area, including enhanced timetables, cheaper fares and no limits for concessionary pass holders until July 2023.
The improvements, which were first announced in summer 2022, were followed by the launch of the ‘Better By Bus’ campaign in Autumn last year, and are being extended throughout this summer.
The costs of the upgrades will be covered by the Local Transport Fund and Bus Service Improvement Plan, with money being allocated to the council by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The Better By Bus scheme aims to improve travel options for all residents and visitors.
A key aspect of the scheme was the implementation of cheaper fares, with a single ticket to any destination within Warrington on council-operated routes costing a maximum of £2 on any route.
By ensuring there are no limits for concessionary pass holders, eligible residents can now travel for free by bus at any time of day, seven days a week.
The local authority will also be reintroducing the evening Warrington to St Helens 329 bus service, which means this service will be operating for the first time since the early 2000s.
Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, said: “We have been working hard with our local transport partners to implement changes and improvements to our bus network to ensure that bus users get the best experience possible.
“Since last summer, when the first round of bus service improvements began, bus usage in Warrington has increased as a result of the evening enhancements and the national fare trial. It’s been fantastic to see people take advantage of the big benefits and improved service that this scheme has provided, so I’m delighted that these improvements are continuing.”