Communities across Leicestershire will soon be finding out more details of ambitious plans to improve bus services.
A series of sustainable transport roadshows will also shine a light on the county council's commitment to improving public transport, cycling, wheeling and walking.
Through its Enhanced Partnership with commercial bus operators, the authority is progressing its Leicestershire Bus Service Improvement Plan (LBSIP), which includes reviewing its network of supported services and maximising commercial opportunities to reduce the requirement for financial support.
The council was awarded £7.4m of Government funding with the aim of making bus travel more affordable, reliable and easy to use while driving forward its own active travel commitments and promoting cycling and walking routes, public rights of way and rail connectivity.
Even while we have been developing our LBSIP24, we have been making progress. We have started the network review, focusing on high-priority areas first, supporting free travel offers where we can and arranging the series of sustainable travel roadshows.
It’s the more rural communities which are set to benefit most from our plans. We’re looking at flexible transport solutions where bus users can access an app to book smaller vehicles and that’s a more effective way of keeping them connected.
There are exciting times ahead – and I want the people of Leicestershire to join us on the journey.
Person:Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for transport
The first roadshows will be in Melton Mowbray next week, all at Melton Borough Council’s offices in Burton Road and are open to everyone. The dates are Monday, 14th October (12 noon to 4pm), Wednesday, 16th October (3pm to 7pm) and Saturday, 19th October (12 noon to 4pm, coinciding with a free travel offer being announced soon).
Sustainable transport roadshows are also planned for other districts in Leicestershire, including Hinckley and Bosworth and Market Harborough.
There will also be the opportunity at the events to find out more details about other travel options which the county council is promoting, including e-bike training opportunities with voucher prizes, information on cycling, walking and wheeling and competitions, including the chance to win free bus travel.