WARRINGTON Borough Council is hoping to ‘transform’ bus services in the town.

The council has launched a consultation with residents over its bus service improvement plan, which aims to make public transport in the town ‘more frequent, faster and reliable, cheaper, easier to use and better integrated’.

In doing so, it is hoping to boost passenger numbers and cut fares.

It forms part of the Government’s national bus strategy, Bus Back Better, which requires local authorities to have BSIPs in place by October 2021 in order to be eligible to apply for their share of £3billion in grants.

WBC’s executive board member for transportation, highways and public realm Cllr Hans Mundry said: “The national bus strategy and the development of our own improvement plan gives us a fantastic opportunity to transform bus services in Warrington – the national strategy recognises the positive role played by municipal bus operators and promises increased funding, which is great news.

“The potential for a substantial increase in available grants will help drive forward our work in Warrington to reverse the trend we are seeing across the country of falling passenger numbers, rising fares and reduced services.

“We have set clear and ambitious targets through our local transport programme to treble the share of all journeys made by bus in Warrington from five per cent to 15 per cent over the next 20 years – the new national strategy will support this vision.

“It will enable us to further build on the excellent working relationships we have with all bus operators in Warrington as we emerge from the Covid pandemic – it will also support our ongoing work with Warrington’s Own Buses to introduce an all-electric bus fleet.

“What’s clear is that listening to local people’s views is crucial, so we can develop bus services which meet their needs, now and in the future.

“That’s why we want as much feedback as possible.

“Anyone who lives or travels in Warrington should share their views.

“Get involved in the consultation, play your part in shaping our plans and help us build a better future for buses in our borough.”

The consultation is open now and will run until Monday, August 9.

To give your views, email buses@warrington.gov.uk.