NEW "stepless" buses, on the road from Wednesday, will give East Lancashire passengers a chance to walk into the future.

The latest vehicles in easy-access public transport will make it easier for disabled, elderly and pram-pushing passengers to get on and off.

The Volvo buses will be operated by Blackburn Borough Transport on a specific timetable on the 346 route between Darwen Cemetery and Accrington.

Transport company spokesman Jim Hilton said: "These vehicles comply with the latest legislation and the Disability Discrimination Act.

"Not only do they provide benefits for the elderly and infirm, wheelchair-bound and parents with prams and buggies to actually get on and off the buses, but there is also priority seating for people with various needs and the added advantage of reduced smoke emissions to the atmosphere."

The new buses will run every 30 minutes from 8.16am from Darwen Cemetery and 8.18am from Accrington during the week, starting exactly one hour later on Saturdays and on all journeys on Sundays.

More information will be published in the timetables for the service starting on September 1.

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