Warwickshire County Council has announced the launch of its new Warwickshire Enhanced Partnership for buses. The Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) sets out how the County Council will use the framework of an Enhanced Partnership with all the county’s bus operators to deliver an ambitious vision for travel by bus in Warwickshire.
The vision for bus travel in the County will be achieved through the introduction of measures aimed at helping to achieve the growth in bus passenger numbers and increased bus modal share aspirations set out in the National Bus Strategy for England, published in March 2021. The first activity of the Enhanced Partnership will be a multi-channel marketing campaign set to launch in 2023 promoting the benefits of bus travel to residents.
Councillor Wallace Redford, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways said: “The new Warwickshire Enhanced Partnership for buses is fantastic news for our residents, businesses and the diverse range of bus operators that we have in the county.
“Bus passenger numbers have noticeably increased since the pandemic, however, there is work to do in further increasing bus patronage to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. Buses remain the most utilised public transport mode in the county and remain a fantastic and viable option for travel across Warwickshire. Not only are they cost-effective – and will be even more so with the introduction of the £2 single adult fare cap pilot – they are also much better for the environment, promote social inclusion and provide more health benefits compared to car travel.”
