Latest news with #BlackpoolTransport
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Vital bus routes to be protected under new law
Vital bus services will be protected under new legislation which has just become law. The Bus Services Bill, which has now passed through the House of Lords, will mean routes deemed "socially necessary" will be subject to strict protections before they can be changed or cancelled. In a visit to Blackpool, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said the government recognised how the routes, such as one between the town and Knott End, provide a "lifeline" for passengers. He told BBC Radio Lancashire said there will now be "extra layers and protections" in place. "When a bus company is considering changing or cancelling that bus service they will have to really consider what all possible options are to mitigate the impact on the local community," he said. The law is intended to end the plight of bus routes being controversially scrapped at short notice, especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers. It comes after Blackpool Transport got £4m funding to help improve bus services in the area. Managing director Jane Cole said the investment would encourage more people to use improved public transport and reduce car use. "It is about migrating people on to public transport and by the time we have done that, from a commercial model, we can then put more frequent routes on to more places and the whole town then will have a more green agenda," she said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. £4m plan to improve resort's bus services Blackpool Council Blackpool Transport Department for Transport
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Vital bus routes to be protected under new law
Vital bus services will be protected under new legislation which has just become Bus Services Bill, which has now passed through the House of Lords, will mean routes deemed "socially necessary" will be subject to strict protections before they can be changed or a visit to Blackpool, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said the government recognised how the routes, such as one between the town and Knott End, provide a "lifeline" for passengers. He told BBC Radio Lancashire said there will now be "extra layers and protections" in place. "When a bus company is considering changing or cancelling that bus service they will have to really consider what all possible options are to mitigate the impact on the local community," he said. 'Improved routes' The law is intended to end the plight of bus routes being controversially scrapped at short notice, especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged comes after Blackpool Transport got £4m funding to help improve bus services in the director Jane Cole said the investment would encourage more people to use improved public transport and reduce car use."It is about migrating people on to public transport and by the time we have done that, from a commercial model, we can then put more frequent routes on to more places and the whole town then will have a more green agenda," she said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Resort's bus services receive £4m cash boost
Bus passengers in Blackpool are set to benefit from a £4m investment designed to encourage more people to use public transport. Planned improvements include a major upgrade of bus shelters in the town, and installing more real-time information screens. The work will go ahead after the spending plans were approved by Blackpool Council's executive committee. Town hall bosses are keen for more people to use public transport following the recent announcement that 3,000 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff will be moving to Blackpool, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Blackpool Council, which owns Blackpool Transport, also hopes increased bus use will help the local authority meet its environmental targets. A report for the council said it would also "contribute to improved local air quality and to climate change objectives". Planned improvements include: Enhancements to the bus service Bus lanes on Talbot Road A deep clean and repairs to bus shelters, or replacing worn-out ones Providing more real-time information (RTI) screens at town-centre bus shelters The Bus Grant Delivery Plan is supported by funding from the Department for Transport, which in December handed out £955m to support bus services across England. The report stated: "Local bus services are a vital resource for less able people and children/young people in Blackpool's community. "Clearly the economic impact of having to use taxis and private hire to get around town has a disproportionate impact on partially sighted, less ambulant and poorer members of society. "Bus use, especially on newer cleaner buses and electric buses, is more sustainable than private car use." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. £4m plan to improve resort's bus services New £100m civil service hub opens in Blackpool Blackpool Transport Local Democracy Reporting Service Blackpool Council
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Blackpool's bus services get £4m cash boost
Bus passengers in Blackpool are set to benefit from a £4m investment designed to encourage more people to use public improvements include a major upgrade of bus shelters in the town, and installing more real-time information work will go ahead after the spending plans were approved by Blackpool Council's executive hall bosses are keen for more people to use public transport following the recent announcement that 3,000 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff will be moving to Blackpool, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Blackpool Council, which owns Blackpool Transport, also hopes increased bus use will help the local authority meet its environmental targets.A report for the council said it would also "contribute to improved local air quality and to climate change objectives".Planned improvements include: Enhancements to the bus serviceBus lanes on Talbot RoadA deep clean and repairs to bus shelters, or replacing worn-out onesProviding more real-time information (RTI) screens at town-centre bus shelters The Bus Grant Delivery Plan is supported by funding from the Department for Transport, which in December handed out £955m to support bus services across report stated: "Local bus services are a vital resource for less able people and children/young people in Blackpool's community. "Clearly the economic impact of having to use taxis and private hire to get around town has a disproportionate impact on partially sighted, less ambulant and poorer members of society."Bus use, especially on newer cleaner buses and electric buses, is more sustainable than private car use." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- BBC News
Blackpool promenade's heritage trams to return for Lightpool
Heritage trams are on track to reappear along Blackpool promenade later this year, the town's council has said. The old tram service was suspended in December 2024 because it was hard to run them alongside the modern fleet. Issues included a lack of depot space as well as safety and maintenance Council said it had agreed to undertake a "programme of works" with Blackpool Transport Services to allow the heritage trams to run out of the Starr Gate Depot again in time for October half-term's Lightpool leader Lynn Williams said: "I know many people have been concerned about the future of the trams and I hope this reassures them that their future is safe." 'Blackpool Illuminations' She added: "I am delighted that a solution has been found that will enable these much-loved trams to be back where they belong on the promenade later this year."The Lightpool festival, which runs from 15 October to 1 November, is set to feature a series of light installations, live performances and 3D projection shows. Visitors and locals alike will be able to book tours on two "illuminated trams" - the Western Train and the Frigate - as well as on the Balloon tram. The heritage trams will then continue running for the rest of the Blackpool Illuminations season, which ends in January 2026. Blackpool Transport Services managing director Jane Cole said: "I am confident the plan we agreed is achievable and I look forward to welcoming customers back on-board in October." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
