New stops at railway stations and popular attractions, plus a month’s free travel, are part of revamped bus services launching across Leicestershire.
The changes are designed to better connect new developments in Loughborough, North West Leicestershire and Hinckley and Bosworth with tourist destinations - including Twycross Zoo and 1620s House - with towns and villages kicking in from mid-July.
From 14 July for a month, free journeys will also be available on a new bookable bus called FoxConnect.
Leicestershire County Council has made the improvements as part of its review of supported bus services, which have been partly funded by the Government.
Councillor Charles Whitford, cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, said: “Whether it’s commuting, getting to health appointments, shopping or travelling to leisure facilities, it’s vital to help our residents stay connected.
“The new routes are developed with residents in mind. Importantly, they’re designed to reduce journey times, link rail stations and newer housing developments and unlock better links to towns and villages across the county.
“Bookable FoxConnect services are convenient and flexible, offering the ability to travel at a time that suits, and I’d encourage residents to visit the roadshows to find out more.”
More information is available on the Choose How You Move website.
Find out more on the North West FoxConnect webpage.
Roadshows
Drop-in events have been organised for local residents who want to know more about new travel and transport options in person.
- Hinckley Library – Tuesday, 17 June and Friday, 27 June 11am – 1pm
- Coalville Library – Monday, 23 June 11am – 1pm
- Ashby Library – Friday, 20 June 11am – 1pm
Changes to bus services from 14 July
Loughborough
Service 2 from Kinchbus will be enhanced to run hourly, with a minor re-route in Loughborough to cover part of the previous route 13. This will also provide greater access to Great Central Railway.
Service 3 will now be run by Kinchbus, with some tweaks to times
Service 5 from Kinchbus will be re-routed to serve Haddon Way/Grange Park estate to improve access to Loughborough Town centre from the residential developments. This will replace the temporary 5a.
Service 12 from Kinchbus will have some minor route tweaks around Shelthorpe linked to the changes to the 5, serving Atherstone Road.
North West Leicestershire and Hinckley and Bosworth
LC12 (renumbered from service 7) will be operated by Arriva. This route will offer a fixed bus service at key commuter times and serve, Witherley-Fenny Drayton-Atherstone-Ratcliffe Culey-Sibson-Carlton-Market Bosworth- Newton Burgoland-Measham.
In addition, FoxConnect zone 9 will be introduced to offer flexibility, serve more settlements, and offer more journey opportunities. FoxConnect zone 9 will be operated by LA Travel and serve, Appleby Magna, Appleby Parva, Snarestone, Swepstone, Newton Burgoland, Norton-Juxta-Twycross, Little Orton, Orton-on-the-Hill, Twycross, Little, Twycross, Gopsall, Shackerstone, Congerstone, Odstone, Sheepy Magna, Pinwall, Ratcliffle Culey, Wellsborough, Sibson, Atterton, Upton, Shenton, Witherley, Fenny Drayton. It will also have stops at key destinations, including, Atherstone, Market Bosworth and Measham.
LC15 (renumbered from service 125) will be operated by Arriva. This route has been re-desiged to provide a direct service with reduced journey times. It will serve, Coalville -Hugglescote-Ellistown-Stanton-Markfield-Newtown Linford-Anstey-Glenfield-Leicester (only).
In addition, FoxConnect zone 11 will be introduced to offer more journey opportunities and will be operated by LA Travel. It will serve, Breedon on the Hill, Hemington, Lockington, Wilson, Isley Walton, Tonge, Worthington, Newbold Coleorton, Coleorton, Church Town, Farm Town, Sinope. Destination Castle Donington, East Midlands Gateway and Coalville.
Fox Connect zone 8 will be introduced for rural areas of North West Leicestershire and will be operated by LA Travel. It will serve Battram, Donington le Heath, Heather, Hugglescote (Standard Hill), Junction of A447/B582, Normanton le Heath & Snibston. It will also have stops at key destinations, including Coalville, Ibstock and Market Bosworth.