New buses, more often – all change from Sunday as bus operator Transdev prepares to introduce new-look network serving the Ribble Valley.
That was the message from Transdev UK as it launched 18 brand new buses on a vastly improved network serving the Ribble Valley this past May 2, 2021.
The new services are being delivered in partnership with Lancashire County Council, and will deliver more frequent buses, with many routes increased to run seven days a week.
Transdev’s new buses have been specially built by Rochdale-based manufacturer Mellor as part of a £2.4 million total investment by the bus firm in its Lancashire network – and each bus is fully accessible and stylishly appointed inside and out.
The new buses will carry the brand name ‘Ribble Country’ – a new identity, but a familiar one to many in the Red Rose County, as Transdev reflects its pride in its Lancashire heritage dating back 102 years since the formation of the old Ribble Motor Services company, whose bright red buses once served the North West from Liverpool to Carlisle.
As part of our new multi-year partnership with Lancashire County Council, we’re delighted to launch our new Ribble Country network, which will transform bus services right across the Ribble Valley and support the area’s economy as we follow the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
A key benefit of Ribble Country being part of our Transdev family is better and simpler ticketing. It means our customers will be able to make easy connections between our Ribble Country network and our other existing bus routes for onward travel across Lancashire and into Greater Manchester, all on one ticket – making travel easier and better value for money.
As always, every one of our buses is clean, safe and ready to go, and we will continue to maintain the highest standards as we know it’s a vitally important way to make sure everyone returning to bus travel can enjoy doing so with confidence.
We know our customers old and new are going to love their amazing new Ribble Country buses, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone on board.
Alex Hornby, Local Transdev CEO
The Ribble Country-branded services represent a real improvement to the bus network in this area, particularly for many rural communities and towns which will see more frequent, reliable buses and new weekend services in some areas.
This will help to ensure more passengers have the chance to access education and employment opportunities and reach essential services.
Working with Transdev, our aim is to provide good transport links, especially in rural areas where many people rely on bus services. These new buses are accessible, comfortable and convenient, and I hope people will make good use of them and give them a try as we build back patronage on all our supported services.
Andrew Varley, Lancashire County Council Public Transit Manager
The full range of Transdev local and regionwide tickets will now be available to buy and use on the new Ribble Country buses using contactless payment cards, on the free to download Transdev Go mobile app, or from the travel shop at Burnley Bus Station. Timetables and further details on all the new services are online at https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/burnley.