Residents in rural areas of Harborough and Charnwood are set to benefit from an improved bus network.
From Monday, March 17 more than 20 rural villages that did not have public transport will now be served.
Nine existing services have also been updated and extended to provide ongoing access to public transport for residents.
In rural areas of Market Harborough, an on-demand bus service known as FoxConnect will also be introduced, covering five zones. Villages served include Tilton on the Hill, Great Glen, Church Langton, Ashby Magna, and Saddington.
The improved bus service network has been introduced by Leicestershire County Council and is partly funded by the government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus (BSIP+), which is helping the council’s review of supported bus services across Leicestershire.
The next focus will be Charnwood and Harborough town services which are expected to be reviewed in June 2025.
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: “We have listened to people’s feedback, and thanks to government cash we have been able to work with operators to enhance bus services.
“We have focused on individual community needs. Launching new options like FoxConnect will increase bus provision and strengthen the existing bus network.
“Buses and public transport are a cheaper and greener option to get around. Adding Sunday services and evening routes means that people will have more journey choice, making buses and FoxConnect the preferred method of travel.”
“These updates and changes aim to boost public transport provision and focus on giving our communities great travel options.”
Some services will benefit from trials also being funded by the BSIP grant, to measure the impact of improvements such as Sunday services or additional evening routes.
The updated services, financially supported by Leicestershire County Council, aim to improve travel connections and simplify routes.
Regular updates, including timetables and information on changes will be available on the choose how you move website.