Buses are back

The county council and Lincolnshire’s bus companies are making bus travel big again with more frequent, easier and improved services.

Travelling around Lincolnshire by bus has been made easier, cheaper and more convenient. And it gets even better, if you have a ‘Freedom Pass’ (formerly known as an OAP bus pass), it will allow you to travel on the much-improved services whenever you want, for free.

This year sees a real boom for Lincolnshire’s bus services and thousands of people are already returning to bus travel as the number of routes increase, and the times you can get those buses run earlier and later.

How it’s come about

As the Highways and Transport local authority, we have made Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funds available to support the local bus network. The money means that more services can be run to more locations and for more hours in the day.

Businesses like PC Coaches, Blands, Brylaine, Centrebus and Stagecoach have all made significant changes to frequency and locations as a result of the funding provided.

On demand service is just £2 per journey

All CallConnect single journeys are now price-capped. The bus service you can call up, Lincolnshire’s County Council’s CallConnect, is running a £2 capped fare scheme for all single rides.

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring the £2 capped fare scheme to Lincolnshire on Callconnect.

“While we were unable to access the Government’s own £2 fare scheme for Callconnect, we have taken the idea and applied it to our on-demand service that’s been especially designed for rural living.” For more information on Callconnect go to www.lincsbus.info or call the team on 0345 234 3344 (Lincolnshire), 0345 263 8153 (Bourne, Stamford & Welland).

There is also an easy-to-use app available to download for all devices – simply download and register your details. Select your pick up and drop off points and let the app do the rest.

Here’s a quick look at just some of the big improvements made across Lincolnshire for those travelling by bus. For exact availability and the latest timetables, check out each bus company’s website.

Upgrade in Grantham

Bus operator Centrebus has enhanced services in the area to encourage more people back on the buses. Route 1, which serves Grantham town centre, will now run more frequently – up to every 15 minutes for most of the timetable. For more information on the new timetables, visit www.lincsbus.info

Gainsborough’s big bus bonus

Bus operator Stagecoach has increased the service in the area to encourage more people back on to the service. Routes 1 and 2 that serve Gainsborough town centre will now run Monday to Saturday from 6am to 7.40pm every 15 minutes for most of the timetable. For more information on the new timetables, visit www.lincsbus.info

Special service in Sleaford

Sleafordian customers can get around on a special 50p fare. The Monday-to-Friday service ‘Into Town’ has been extended to 8pm. Bus services throughout are running every 30 minutes instead of remaining on the previous hourly schedule. For more information on the new timetables, visit www.lincsbus.info

Stagecoach goes later in Lincoln

The return of night-time bus services across Lincoln city is a huge boost for those who are out late into the evening and want to get about, hassle-free.

For more information on the new timetables, visit www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east-midlands/lincoln-and-newark-services

Blands boosts for Stamford

The local bus service is being vastly improved from two buses, three days a week to hourly services across a six day week – Monday to Saturday.

For more information visit blands.info