A new plan has been approved to introduce changes to bus services across Staffordshire, in the hope that more residents will start using them.
Staffordshire County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan will seek to tackle falling numbers in passengers by working with bus companies and using national funding to make bus travel more attractive and viable.
The main aims outlined in the plan are to create better connections between towns, villages and transport hubs, such as railway stations.
Furthermore, the plan aims to boost the number of residents in urban areas living within 400 metres of a bus stop providing at least an hourly service. Other targets include introducing bus lanes to improve services along routes prone to heavy traffic and improving cross-boundary connections to Staffordshire’s neighbours.
Staffordshire County Council’s assistant director for connectivity and sustainability Dave Atkinson said: “We want Staffordshire people to be better connected with improved travel options.”
“While we understand that for some people buses are essential, we want to encourage more to choose them as an alternative to car use.”
“We have a role as the transport authority to work with operators to support improved services, coordinating these across the county and securing external funding to enable this to happen.”
The county council will work closely with operators to deliver the plan, encouraging them to promote fare offers and integrated tickets, improve recruitment and retention of bus drivers and invest in zero emission buses.
The plan, which is subject to funding, also includes several local improvements including bus station enhancements, improved walking and cycling routes to stops and real-time passenger information.
The council also supports the use of electric buses and will work with operators to secure external funding to do so.
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