A pilot is being launched in the Stratford area which will see bus travel after 6pm offered for just £2 for a return journey.
In a bid to encourage even more people onto public transport the pilot is being launched on Tuesday, April 6, for 12 months.
Warwickshire County Council is working in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council and bus operators to make the evening travel pilot scheme a success.
Customers will be able to purchase a return ticket for £2 to travel from any Stratford District bus stop to anywhere in Warwickshire. For example the Shipston to Stratford or Bidford to Stratford normal return price of £5.70 will be reduced to only £2. A saving of 65%. Even on shorter journeys there are large savings to be made, such as Lighthorne Heath to Leamington with a reduction from £4.40 to £2. A saving of 55%.
As well as the existing services additional journeys will be provided to give more communities the opportunity to use buses in the
evening:-
X20
1950 Stratford to Birmingham
2105 Birmingham to Stratford
2325 Stratford to Henley
23
2220 Stratford to Shipston On Stour via Lower Quinton (continues to Tredington, Newbold & Alderminster as service 50)
50
2255 Shipston to Stratford
Cllr Alan Cockburn, the county council's Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "The network of evening services offer access to a large number of rural communities and the new journeys make both Henley and Shipston far more accessible.
"This project also helps to meet aspirations of young people to give access to leisure facilities at affordable prices and will also encourage adults to be able to have a drink and leave cars at home."
Cllr Stephen Gray, Stratford-on-Avon District Councils Revenues and Housing Portfolio Holder: "We hope that the £2 evening fares will prove popular, particularly among young people who need to travel to facilities within the district. The more the buses are used in the evening, the more likely it is that the pilot scheme can be made permanent."
Funding for the experiment is being provided by Stratford District Council and it is hoped that if it proves popular it will be self financing after 12 months and other areas of the county could be considered.
For information on bus travel in Warwickshire visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/travel
