Trials of two new bus routes will soon let passengers travel between Barton-upon-Humber to Brigg. Funded by government cash, the buses will connect not only the low villages between Barton and Brigg , but also link villages across the Isle of Axholme to Epworth. The buses, which will run Monday to Friday, could be up and running as early as May. As a pilot scheme, the future of the routes in the long-term is not secure. Alongside the bus route expansion, a new set of mini-buses is being bought by North Lincolnshire Council to get more environmentally friendly buses to transport vulnerable children and adults in North Lincolnshire. Read more : Disused listed building to get new lease of life as apartments and shops The mini-buses will have features including tail-lifts for easy wheelchair access and will be a mix of electric and diesel vehicles. The latter will be converted to low carbon tech when this becomes more widely available. Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham explained why it was stepping in to trial two new bus routes. "Public transport is a major issue for people living in our smaller villages and now, thanks to government cash, we are seeking to establish these two new pilot routes where the market cannot sustain 57-seater buses. "These new regular bus services will connect residents, enabling them to visit some of our bigger towns to shop, access doctors and dentists and also visit
Friends and family. These routes are part of the council’s plan to offer more flexible transport for local residents and enable them to use greener transport options – we want this to be just the start, so it is important that people use it when it’s here." Market Place, Brigg. The pilot bus between Barton and Brigg will run on weekdays only. (Image: Donna Clifford) More details including the precise timetable of the buses is expected in the coming weeks. It will be a council-led transport service and the buses will be smaller than normal. Neither of the pilot routes double-up over existing ones already run by bus operators. Part of North Lincolnshire Council's £5.5m
UK Shared Prosperity Fund award up to 2024/25 is being used to pay for the pilot. It will be reviewed every four weeks and the buses will not be free. "The number of people using these new services will be monitored over the coming few months, and if successful could be made permanent," said Cllr Julie Reed, portfolio holder for children and families. Want to sign up to our Scunthorpe newsletter, but can't see the link below? Click here . "The new mini-buses will be more reliable and cost less to run, while looking to the future and providing a valid green option," said Cllr Waltham on the mini-buses the council will set about buying in coming weeks. The council has the aim of achieving carbon neutrality, not emitting more carbon emissions into the atmosphere than it takes out, by 2030. Read next: Firm fined £2.3m after pipeline leak left workers at risk of 'flammable cloud' Dream holiday for Scunthorpe teen with stage three
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