SIX new bus routes have been confirmed for Warrington, as latest figures show the number of people using public transport is on the rise.

Recent months have seen bus travel in the town go from strength to strength, with £1 child and £2 adult capped fares, free concessionary pass travel at any time of the day and enhanced timetables.

Now, Warrington Borough Council says it is driving forward with even more major improvements to services, with the introduction of six new routes.

The new routes from September are:

  • Number 23, run by MD Bus & Coach, from Warrington town centre to Orange Grove/Avery Close via Orford Jubilee Hub and Ryfields Retirement Village – from Monday, September 4
  • Numbers 31, 31A, run by MD Bus & Coach, and 33 from Honiton Way Shops Circulars and Penketh to Westbrook/Gemini Retail Park – from Monday, September 25
  • Number 47 from Warrington Bus Interchange to Statham via Stockton Heath – from Monday, September 25
  • Number 10, run by Omega Busways from Warrington Bus Interchange to Stretton via Walton Gardens, Daresbury Science Park and Hatton – from Monday, September 25
  • Number 24, run by Warrington's Own Buses, from Woolston to Birchwood – from Monday, September 25
  • Number B29, run by MD Bus & Coach, from Burtonwood to Westbrook/Gemini Retail Park via Omega South – from Monday, September 25

The council says that even more new routes will be rolled out in October, with an announcement due shortly.

The latest figures show that the improvements being made across the board are having a big impact and tempting passengers back onto the bus.

Over the past six months, bus passenger figures were up by 13 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “We want to make bus travel as attractive and affordable as possible, so that many more people use the bus on a daily basis.

“These latest improvements are part of this work, and I am delighted these new services are launching this autumn, providing even more choice for local people travelling in and around the borough.

“It is a great example of how we are investing in the future of our bus services.

“The improvements we are making are having a real impact, with passenger numbers up and confidence continuing to increase in bus travel as a reliable, punctual and convenient travel option.”

To find out more about the Better By Bus scheme, visit warrington.gov.uk/better-by-bus