‘Major’ bus improvements set for Warwickshire

Warwickshire is set to receive a £8.76 million injection of funding for improved bus services.  

This is part of a national Labour initiative aimed at enhancing the reliability and convenience of buses. 

The Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan, which began on 30 August, is funded by the Department for Transport.  

The plan includes key developments such as bus priority schemes, real-time travel information technology, revised ticketing options, and improvements to bus stops, such as shelters and seats.  

‘The council is making it easier for people to choose the bus’

Reform Cllr. Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning

The improvements also to extend to school services, which have been expanded to better serve students. Additional adjustments are being made to ensure smoother access to Warwick Hospital. 

Reform UK Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, emphasised the benefits of the initiative.  

“By improving key connections, especially with vital locations such as Warwick Hospital, the council is making it easier for people to choose the bus,” she said, describing the rollout as “significant” for residents across the county. 

The proposed enhancements hope to make public transport a more attractive alternative to car travel, particularly for commuters, by improving how comprehensive and comfortable travel is.  

The government argues that by improving public transport, it will help decarbonise transport and meet its Net Zero targets, a target which Reform UK is against. 

As well as improving infrastructure, several new and revised routes are being introduced.  

These revisions aim to improve frequency, reduce journey times, and provide more convenient connections

In Rugby, a new service will connect Overslade with the town centre and railway station. 

Meanwhile, the Warwick to Leamington Spa route will be extended to cover Warwick Hospital, Leamington railway station, and Shires Retail Park. This will expand the choice of places to visit for bus users and hopes to boost health and the local economy. 

Additionally, timetable changes will be made to buses between Stratford-upon-Avon and Solihull, as well as between Stratford and Shipston-on-Stour. 

These revisions aim to improve frequency, reduce journey times, and provide more convenient connections for passengers.