Bus companies are getting on board with new charter

A new bus ‘passenger charter’ for the county has been published.

Lincolnshire County Council, which has created the document, says it ‘commits bus operators to more consistent and improved services’.
As part of the national bus strategy created by the government, every authority that oversees transports has to create a charter.
It will come into effect on Monday, April 1.
Coun Richard Davies, executive member for highways and transport, said: “As part of our commitment to improving bus services for the people of Lincolnshire, we’ve worked with the county’s bus operators to develop the Lincolnshire Bus Passenger Charter.”
“This document, which will be displayed in buses around the county, will set out in clear and simple words what passengers should and can expect of their bus journey. This includes on-board CCTV; friendly and helpful drivers; value for money tickets and passes; and clean buses.
“As a result, the people of Lincolnshire will benefit from the consistent and improved standards as set out in the charter. Consistency across the network is key to ensuring that residents can plan their journeys with confidence, knowing that a safe, well-maintained bus will turn up and arrive at their destinations when they say they will.
“With most single-journey fares capped at £2, and now with improved and more consistent services, it’s the perfect time to get back on the local buses.”
The charter states passengers can expect:
* Your bus will normally arrive at your starting point within five minutes of the scheduled time
* Your driver will keep you informed if your bus is seriously delayed
* You can expect at least 99 per cent of journeys to be operated each week unless there are exceptional circumstances beyond the operator’s control
* A clean bus
* CCTV in operation on an increasing number of buses for your security
* A friendly and helpful driver
* A range of value for money tickets and passes that are easy to understand and purchase
* A network of bus routes connecting our towns, and Lincoln, and running along all our major roads
* Real-time next bus displays at major stops, and also on our smartphone app
* Up-to-date timetable and fare information available online
* A space on every bus large enough to take one wheelchair or two buggies
* Timetable changes to be restricted to six times per year.