From Monday 22 July, several extra services will be launched across the network, making people’s journeys around the borough easier and more convenient than ever.

It’s being funded through the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), along with section 106 funding secured to secure better bus services to new developments. It’s the latest boost to Warrington’s Better by Bus campaign, which aims to make bus travel more accessible for everyone.

Introduced across Warrington’s Own Buses, Arriva, MD Bus and Coach and Howards, the extra services are:

• CAT7 – Warrington to Appleton Thorn - Increased to hourly from 7am-7pm, Monday – Saturday, with a revised route after Longwood Road to operate via Pewterspear Green Road, Longwood Road, Stretton Road, Blackcap Road and Dipping Brook Avenue to return onto Longwood Road.
• CAT8 – Warrington to Hatton - Increased to hourly from 6am-7pm, Monday – Saturday. All journeys will terminate at Appleton Village Hall, with the exception of school movement journeys to Hatton. Journeys will additionally divert from Witherwin Avenue/Lumb Brook Road island to serve Witherwin Avenue (new estate) and Curzon Drive.

The increased frequency of the CAT7 and CAT8 buses will enable the Stockton Heath corridor to be increased to a 12-minute frequency with 5 buses an hour between there and the town centre.

• 11 – Warrington to Gainsborough Road / Latchford (circular) - Increased to hourly from 7am-6pm, Monday – Saturday. New morning journeys at 6.53am, 7.52am, 9.03am and 9.48am (also increased to fill evening peak).
• 12 - Warrington to Gainsborough Road / Latchford (circular) Increased to hourly from 7am–6pm, Monday – Saturday, with new morning journeys at 6.37am and 7.34am.

The introduction of extra services – with more to be announced in the near future – are part of the ongoing work to drive up the quality of bus travel in Warrington. It builds on the success of our £1 capped fares for everyone aged under 22 and £2 adult capped fares, free concessionary pass travel at any time of the day, enhanced timetables and new routes.

Warrington Borough Council leader and cabinet member for transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: "These improvements are the latest part of our ongoing work to make bus travel as convenient and accessible as possible for everyone.

“Our investment in extra services across the network will mean a better experience for our bus passengers with shorter waiting times, more frequent connections, and better coverage across key routes.

“It’s fantastic to see our Better by Bus programme going from strength to strength - with lots more improvements on the way.”

Warrington’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) is using over £17m in government funding to transform bus services, improve timetables and reduce fares.

To find out more about the Better By Bus campaign, visit warrington.gov.uk/better-by-bus