TWO bus operators have joined forces to help bring multi-million pounds worth of investment to East Lancashire.

Rosso's 240 staff and 102 buses have become part of the Transdev fleet and the move has given the greenlight on an immediate £3million investment of 20 brand new vehicles and vehicle upgrades.

Transdev has confirmed there will be no immediate changes to Rosso routes, times or individual fares.

Bus passes will be available to use on both Transdev and Rosso buses from Lancashire into Manchester.

The companies smart cards, gold season tickets and day tickets will be accepted on both sets of buses.

Rosso rover tickets will be eligible on buses between Rawtenstall and Burnley and between Bentgate, Haslingden and Accrington.

Alex Hornby, CEO of Transdev, said the news was great for Lancashire as well as Manchester.

He said: "We’re very excited to welcome Rosso to the Transdev family.

"We can start delivering on our promise to invest significantly and deliver a bright future for the 5.4million customers a year who travel on Rosso services across the Rossendale borough and Greater Manchester.

"Our track record in East Lancashire and across the North is one of growth, innovation and creating buses that people want to be seen on, and we have exciting plans including immediate investment in new, high-spec buses.

"In the coming days we’ll be talking and listening to our team at Rosso, our customers and our stakeholders about our investment plans to make sure our bus services reflect the needs of local communities and strengthen the region’s economy.

"Many people at Rosso, Rossendale Council and Transdev have worked very hard behind the scenes to make the transfer of Rosso a smooth one, and my thanks go to them.

"Everyone at Transdev is thrilled to welcome our new customers and colleagues.

"We’re looking forward now to bringing many improvements to our new customers and to attracting more people to use the buses.

"It’s an exciting new beginning for Rosso, and the start of amazing things to come."

As part of the transfer arrangements, Transdev is to retain all front-line staff and has committed to use the bus station being built in Rawtenstall.

Rossendale Council will also retain ownership of Haslingden depot, in support of its commercial investment strategy.

Leader of Rossendale Council, Cllr Alyson Barnes, said: "I am delighted with the response we have had from residents about the news of the merger, particularly with regard to ticketing options.

"They are also looking forward to benefitting from investment in fleet and extended services in the future."