MORE frequent bus services have been announced on some routes serving Hampshire residents.

Hampshire County Council, as part of the Bus Service Improvement Partnership, has allocated £4.2m of government funding to Stagecoach South, Go South Coast, and First Solent to enable them to increase service levels on 15 Hampshire bus routes - resulting in more day and evening services – as well as see three new services introduced on Sundays.

The funding comes from Hampshire’s £7.2m share of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus money and has been awarded in line with the DfT’s direction that the majority should be used to protect existing commercial services (that might otherwise see reduced timetables) and to fund more frequent services.

Basingstoke Gazette: Stagecoach busStagecoach bus (Image: Newsquest)

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Stagecoach buses between Newbury, Kingsclere and Basingstoke will run later into the evening and on Sundays for the first time, as well as more frequently at weekday peak times.  These changes are in partnership with West Berkshire Council.

Meanwhile, in Andover, more buses will run to and from East Anton throughout the week, with extra trips during the day as well as into the evening and on Sundays.

Service 76 between Andover, Whitchurch and Basingstoke will improve to every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday daytime.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, executive member for universal services at Hampshire County Council, said: “This is a significant boost for the bus network in Hampshire which will help more people to make the choice to leave the car at home and to travel more easily and economically to get to and from work, college, shops or for an evening out which, in turn, will help support the local economy.

“Coupled with the Government’s support in capping single journey fares to £2 a trip means this is a tremendous opportunity for more people to step on board, give bus travel a try and experience the convenience!”

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Additionally, the county council has confirmed additional Bus Service Improvement Plan funding for promoting bus travel to encourage more people to take the bus for their everyday journeys.

The additional services will be introduced from April onwards.

James O’Neill, commercial director for Stagecoach South, said: “We're really pleased to see our partnership with Hampshire County Council start delivering some great improvements for bus customers in our region.  We're working hard to make it easier to travel by bus throughout the week, especially later in the evening and at the weekend.  We look forward to welcoming new customers on board on these improved services as these are introduced."