Arriva and Stagecoach have joined forces to introduce what they say will be a simpler, more coordinated and more reliable timetable for buses between Nuneaton, Hinckley and Leicester.
Under the new Qualifying Agreement (QA), routes 148 and 158 will now give a bus every 15 minutes between Nuneaton and Leicester Monday to Saturday daytimes, and up to every 30 minutes in evenings and on Sundays, whilst customers are also benefiting from simpler ticketing, with many tickets now interavailable across both operators’ services.
Commercial Director at Arriva Andrew Godley explained “The introduction of a Qualifying Agreement between Arriva and Stagecoach demonstrates our commitment to delivering simpler journeys for our customers, ensuring bus travel continues to be convenient, good value, and of course an easy way for Warwickshire residents to lower their carbon footprint and help protect our environment.”
Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands Mark Whitelocks added: “As well as offering a more regular, coordinated frequency during the busiest times of day the QA has provided opportunity to introduce additional evening journeys and revise our routing to call at Highcross Shopping Centre in Leicester as well as the new St Margaret’s Bus Station. There’s never been a better time to get on board.”
The QA was facilitated by Warwickshire County Council, which was approached for its support by the two operators. The three partners are now working towards similar schemes on other parts of the county’s bus network.
Councillor Wallace Redford, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, said “It’s fantastic to see Arriva and Stagecoach working together to deliver real benefits for Warwickshire residents, a partnership the County Council has been pleased to support. Jumping on the bus is a great way to make a cleaner and greener transport choice, with modern buses performing better than the average private car on emissions per passenger mile as well as using a lot less road space. Public transport is key to delivering the County Council’s Sustainable Futures Strategy of reducing carbon emissions, supporting biodiversity and promoting economic growth across the county.”
