October 2007 – New Partnership Spot On!
JOURNEY times look set to be cut following the setting up of a partnership between Transdev Lancashire United and three local authorities, Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Hyndburn Borough Council.
The initiative, called a Punctuality Improvement Partnership (PIP), is the first in Lancashire and will focus on the new “Spot on” routes 6 and 7 operating from Blackburn to Rishton, Great Harwood, Accrington, Church, Oswaldtwistle and Intack.
There have already been a number of successes to report and the partnership will continue working towards further improvements. So far traffic lights at Penny Street in Blackburn have been rephased resulting in less delay to journeys.
Traffic lights at the busy junction at Hare and Hounds in Clayton-le-Moors have also been reprogrammed leading to improved traffic flows.
Congestion at Whitebirk Roundabout is about to be reduced with a £2 million plus scheme funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the Highways Agency and undertaken by Lancashire County Council. The improvements will have considerable benefits for all traffic and particularly buses.
County Councillor Tony Martin, Cabinet member for Sustainable Development, said: “By working together to tackle relatively minor problems along the route we can bring about noticeable improvements to the punctuality of the bus service.
“The overall aim of the PIP is to create a higher standard of service for the passenger and I am delighted that it is already succeeding.”
Russell Revill, Managing Director of Transdev Lancashire United, said: “The partnership has already brought some good results for bus passengers and I am keen to keep working closely with the councils.
“As well as looking at things like traffic signals and taking advantage of the overhaul of Whitebirk we are also keen to tackle the problem of people parking on bus stops. This makes it difficult for the buses to pull in close to the kerb and allow people to get on easily and safely.”
