A better deal for bus users

We were successful in securing an additional £233,686 of funding for supported bus services from the Department of Transport’s (DfT) 'A Better Deal for Bus Users'. The funding was made available to improve the provision of local bus services. Local authorities were asked to consider the need to extend services, restore lost services or support new bus services to meet key needs such as employment opportunities, education and access to health facilities etc.

Our funding submission to the DfT extends current supported bus services, restores lost services and supports a new bus service. Funding was allocated in consultation with MPs and used feedback from residents and public consultations. The table below details the services that the funding is intended to support during the 2020/21 financial year.

Bus service	Days of operation	Service need	Destination	Summary
22	Monday - Friday	Restore	Chester - Parkgate Road - Neston - Parkgate - Heswall	To support the continuation of a vital service; commercially withdrawn in March. This service provides a valuable link between Chester and West Kirby including connections to Arrowe Park Hospital from Heswall. This service is jointly funded by us and Liverpool City Region.
7	Monday - Friday	Restore	Ellesmere Port - Grace Road - Overpool - Rivacre	To support the continuation of this vital service; commercially withdrawn in March. This service provides a valuable link to education, health and supports tackling social isolation.
272	Monday - Friday	Extend	Ellesmere Port Bus Station - Loxdale Drive - Baker Drive - Little Sutton - Hooton Station - Willaston - Neston	To maintain support for this service. Without the additional funding the service would be withdrawn due to the lack of commercial viability. This service provides a valuable link between Neston and Ellesmere Port Town Centre and provides a connection to Hooton Railway Station.
X29 Nightlife Express	Friday and Saturday evenings	Extend	Northwich - Leftwich - Moulton - Wharton - Winsford Town Centre - Mount Pleasant	To maintain support for town centre regeneration by accessing the evening economy at Barons Quay. Due to COVID-19 this service is currently suspended and will commence at the earliest opportunity.
200 Shopper Hopper	Monday - Saturday	Extend	Chester Bus Interchange - George Street - Market Hall/Princess Street - Delamere Street	Maintaining a key service operating Northgate Street, serving the Market, Storyhouse and many other businesses.
204	Monday - Friday	Extend	Chester - Blacon - Saughall - Deeside Industrial Park	To maintain a vital service to Deeside Industrial park for employment purposes.
30	Sundays only	New	Leighton Hospital - Northwich to Shavington via Leighton and Crewe	To introduce a new service to Leighton Hospital to support visiting hours on Sundays. Due to COVID-19 the start date for the service has been delayed. This new service will commence at the earliest opportunity.