Cheshire East Bus Service Improvement Plan BSIP

Editors Note:- the following is extracted from the press release and also the actual BSIP – a rather weighty tome! The press release is attached as a document, for the BSIP please visit:- https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/public_transport/transport_strategies.aspx

Cheshire East Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP)

This plan sets out proposals to work with local communities, public transport users and local bus operators to boost services and develop transformational change across the network.

The plan seeks to deliver better quality, more reliable and more frequent buses, with simpler, integrated ticketing between bus routes and other public transport. It will also build on the success of the council's existing Flexilink service as well as its recently-launched 'go-too' demand-responsive bus service.

The document has now been submitted to the Department of Transport in a bid to secure funding through the government's national bus strategy 'Bus Back Better'.

The BSIP focuses on three phases:

• Phase one: Stabilisation of the bus network (2021-23) -- improving reliability and punctuality, simplifying fares and improving integration of public transport;
• Phase two: Improving quality (2022-25 and beyond to 2030) -- including more frequent services, better access and information and improved value for money; and
• Phase three: Network growth (2023-25 and beyond to 2030) -- making bus use more attractive, such as via investment in bus/rail interchanges and multi-modal ticketing.

Some Statistics:-

• The current bus offer in Cheshire East is delivered across 54 bus routes and operated by nine bus companies.
• Of these 54 bus routes, 23 are either wholly or part subsidised by the council, which equates to approximately £2.1m a year.
• A higher proportion of households in Cheshire East have access to two, three or more cars or vans (43 per cent) in their household, compared to the regional (32 per cent) and national (30 per cent) average