Vital bus routes to be protected under new law

Vital bus services will be protected under new legislation which has just become law.

The Bus Services Bill, which has now passed through the House of Lords, will mean routes deemed "socially necessary" will be subject to strict protections before they can be changed or cancelled.

In a visit to Blackpool, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said the government recognised how the routes, such as one between the town and Knott End, provide a "lifeline" for passengers.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire said there will now be "extra layers and protections" in place.

"When a bus company is considering changing or cancelling that bus service they will have to really consider what all possible options are to mitigate the impact on the local community," he said.

The law is intended to end the plight of bus routes being controversially scrapped at short notice, especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers.

It comes after Blackpool Transport got £4m funding to help improve bus services in the area.

Managing director Jane Cole said the investment would encourage more people to use improved public transport and reduce car use.

"It is about migrating people on to public transport and by the time we have done that, from a commercial model, we can then put more frequent routes on to more places and the whole town then will have a more green agenda," she said.

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