Bus passenger numbers pass 40 million in Lancashire

Annual figures from Lancashire County Council show more than 40 million bus journeys were undertaken across the county in 2023/24, a nine per cent rise from the previous year and up three per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

The number of miles covered by bus services has also increased, as cheaper fares see more people opt to hop on the bus to get around.

To mark the milestone, the county council's cabinet member for highways and transport, Councillor Ruper Swarbrick, took a trip on one of the rural routes linking the county's towns and villages to meet passengers.

One bus passenger, Roy, from Ribchester, said: "My wife and I use buses regularly and they are a blessing to us.

Passenger Jean loves travelling by bus (Image: Lancs County Council)

"We use them to go to Blackburn and Clitheroe and the local service is as good as we have ever had it.

"It's hourly, serves all the rural routes and I cannot understand why it isn't used more.

"Where I live, it's a sleepy village but the traffic is terrible now, I much prefer the bus.

Jean, also from Ribchester, said: "If you are going for a day out to the seaside or to a local town and you are a driver, it would be much easier to get on a bus.

"When you drive, the roads are narrow, and you need to find somewhere to park.

"A regular, reliable service is really important. You use buses when you are on holiday, so why not here, too?"

Pilkington Bus driver, Graeme Tonge, added: "The more it's used, the more it will stay. If it's empty, it's no good to anyone - so keep using it!"

Using the bus not only takes several cars off the road, reducing congestion and carbon emissions, but also has health and well-being benefits from walking to and from bus stops and avoiding the stresses of driving.

The Government's maximum £2 bus fare for a single journey, which launched in 2023, has encouraged more people to ride the bus, and has been extended until the end of this year.

In May, the county council revealed adult fares on Sunday services will cost just £1, the same price as journeys made after 7pm the rest of the week.

The lower fares are part of a £7 million package of improvements agrees by the county council thanks to funding from the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Cllr Swarbrick added: "It’s so important to us that Lancashire's residents have access to frequent, reliable and affordable transport they can rely on for travel to work, access to healthcare and days out.

"We hope that these fantastic figures will continue to rise as residents continue to return to public transport.

"We plan to continue creating a network which more people will use for regular journeys, with more services throughout the day, as well as at evening and weekends.

"Our Public and Integrated transport team is optimistic about the future of bus travel in Lancashire, attributing the success to strategic investments and ongoing efforts to improve the bus network."