Extra buses have been put on to connect communities across the Isle of Axholme with both Scunthorpe and Doncaster.
The latest investment in rural connectivity means additional 399 services will run through the Isle from Scunthorpe to Doncaster in the morning and afternoon.
Also, a new 499 service has been introduced, running on college days alongside the 399 and starting in Misterton covering the Isle to accommodate students travelling to John Leggott College, North Lindsey College, and the Engineering UTC North Lincolnshire.
Both the 399 and 499 are open to anyone.
Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for connectivity, said: “It is great to support our partners Hornsby Travel in launching an additional service to their 399 Scunthorpe to Doncaster via the Isle of Axholme.
“This is an important route connecting our rural communities on the Isle to Scunthorpe and further afield into Doncaster – this is so important for keeping people connected to shops, doctors and other vital services.”
Hornsby Travel general manager Karl Robinson said: “As we start our second year in serving the communities in the Isle of Axholme, we are proud to expand the service 399 with an afternoon round trip to Doncaster.
“This we hope will give better connectivity to our passengers across the Isle to and from Doncaster and Scunthorpe.
“Working in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council and Cllr Tim Mitchell has given us an understanding for what the Isle of Axholme needs and we hope to continue expanding this service in the future.”
The new service comes as part of a raft of enhancements to rural transport across North Lincolnshire.
In March, two pilot bus routes were launched using Government cash, connecting communities across the Isle of Axholme and through the Low Villages between Barton and Brigg.
The council also re-committed to protecting enhanced free travel for more than 22,000 older and disabled people. This £1.8m scheme has been in place since 2017 and extends the time the thousands of people eligible, including those who have reached state pension age, disabled residents and their carers, can travel for free or at discounted rates.
And a range of improvements to bus journeys – designed to ensure the best possible experience for passengers – were launched in August.
The council, Stagecoach, Hornsby Travel and East Yorkshire Buses signed a charter which commits to provide routes to key communities, to fair and transparent ticketing, and people travelling in comfort and safety on reliable services which are accessible to everyone.
Cllr Mitchell added: “Our new bus partnership means we will work closely with our main commercial partners serving North Lincolnshire – Hornsby Travel, Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire Buses – to implement the improvement plan.
“This is an ambitious plan which will improve reliability and frequency of buses, along with improved passenger information and simpler ticketing to encourage people back onto buses.
“The government discounted fare scheme – with single fares capped at £2 until 31 October and then £2.50 until November next year – along with our new Bus Passenger Charter means there’s never been a better time to Take The Bus.”
For more details about rural transport across North Lincolnshire visit the North Lincolnshire Council website.
