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Edwards Coaches Marks 100 Years with National Express Collaboration

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When your business turns 100, you want to mark the occasion with more than cake and a commemorative mug. For Edwards Coaches , the largest operator in the National Express network, the centenary year has kicked off in style with the delivery of a dual-branded Caetano Levante 3A bodi ed Scania K410EB6, complete with the bespoke registration NX25 BUS . Edwards Coaches It’s a coach, yes, but also a case study in clever brand alignment, long-term partnership and how visual identity can reinforce strategic messaging. Coming from a marketing background, I can’t help but appreciate the detail behind the design and what it signals for the next chapter of a company that’s been on the road since 1925 . A moving celebration of a century in service The new vehicle is more than a fleet addition; it’s a symbol of how Edwards Coaches has evolved from a family-run service in the Welsh Valleys to a national player operating 116 daily services on behalf of National Express. The Levante 3A , now one...

£27m Funding Boost to Further Improve Bus Services Across Lancashire

Here's some big news for Lancashire’s bus passengers– the county’s just bagged a whopping £27 million to boost its bus services. This cash injection is part of a £1 billion pot the government revealed on Sunday to keep crucial bus routes alive and kicking nationwide.

A man pointing at a bus schedule under a bus shelter at Clitheroe Interchange. The display shows various bus times and routes. The background includes a pathway and greenery.
Lancashire County Council

From Lancashire’s slice, £25.2m will supercharge the county council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). That’s the scheme already working to make buses more frequent, reliable and affordable. Throw in simpler fares and better passenger info and you’ve got a recipe for public transport that actually works.

Here’s the kicker: with this latest haul, Lancashire County Council has racked up an impressive £67.1m in BSIP funding since 2022. Not too shabby.

And it’s paying off. In the first half of 2024/25, bus journeys in Lancashire hit 21 million – a 10% jump compared to the same time last year. Clearly, folks are hopping on board.

Remember that £1 Evening Fare? It’s been a hit, with over 2.6 million tickets snapped up since January 2023. Now there’s a £1 Sunday Single too, launched in May, which has already seen more than 780,000 sales. Bargain fares for the win.

Here’s what all that dosh is doing:

  • Three new bus routes and 21 daytime service enhancements are on the way.
  • 26 evening and Sunday services are getting a boost too, because buses don’t clock off early anymore.
  • Over 30 highways schemes are in the works to keep buses moving smoothly.
  • Bus stops? They’re getting a glow-up with new shelters and raised curbs along key interurban routes.
  • Tech-savvy travellers will love the Single Operator Tap-on Tap-off Contactless Capping for easy fare payments.
  • And if you’re on the Fylde Coast, AnyBus multi-operator ticketing means you can hop between different bus companies without breaking the bank.
  • Need a map? All operator bus network maps have you covered.
  • Let’s not forget the budget-friendly £1 Evening and Sunday single fares, with millions of tickets already sold.
Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, Lancashire’s transport chief, is buzzing:
“Our bus service improvement plan is already making a huge difference, and this additional funding will enable us to further enhance bus services across the county.

"We understand how important it is for all residents to have access to frequent, reliable and affordable transport that they can rely on for travel to work, access to healthcare and days out.

"We'll be working closely with local communities and stakeholders as we develop plans to ensure that the improvements reflect the needs of residents.

"We're optimistic about the future of bus travel and excited about the opportunities we now have to create a more connected and sustainable future for public transport in Lancashire."
With big plans and even bigger ambitions, Lancashire’s gearing up for a more connected, sustainable future. Bus travel in Lancashire is looking brighter already.

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