What would help improve bus services in Lincolnshire?

We’re putting together a plan to help improve bus services in the county, and we’d like to know your thoughts.

In the government’s new National Bus Strategy – published in March this year – they want the country to ‘Bus Back Better’ after the pandemic, with more frequent services, increased passenger numbers, and simpler timetabling and fares.

In their strategy, they’ve called on all local councils to create a plan to improve bus services and encourage more people to use buses in their area.

To help us shape our plan to improve Lincolnshire’s bus services, we want to hear your experience using buses, whether that has changed through the pandemic, and what would help you use bus services more.

The government has pledged £3bn in funding across the country to help deliver these plans, and we want to secure a fair share of that funding for Lincolnshire by putting together a comprehensive plan.

You can complete the Bus Service Improvement Plan survey on our website at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/engagement.

The survey will close on Monday 30 August 2021.

If you’d like a paper copy of the survey to complete, please call the Transport Helpline on 0345 456 4474 and one can be posted to you. Lines are open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm.

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for transport at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “During the pandemic we saw passenger numbers plummet, and even as restrictions have eased, numbers have been slow to recover. We’ve provided a lot of support to operators over the past 18 months, and now, rather than just looking at a recovery plan for the sector, we’re keen to see this as an opportunity to improve services in the county.

“In the government’s strategy, they cite London’s bus network as their shining example. Whilst there are lessons we can learn from the way services operate in the capital, Lincolnshire is not London. We have our own unique challenges when it comes to buses, especially in rural areas, which is why we want to hear from residents about their experiences and thoughts.”