County Councillor Hazel Harding, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said, “It’s always good to have official recognition for any scheme, but I’m equally pleased that the scheme is proving to be very popular with its passengers.

 

“In 2003, a report commissioned by the Countryside Agency entitled "Rural opportunities across Rossendale" highlighted transport as one of the major issues that needed addressing in the borough’s rural areas.

 

“The report concluded that the County Rider would improve social inclusion and community cohesion, reduce geographical isolation and provide increased access to shops, employment and training.”

 

 

Pictured at the awards are Barry Drelincourt, Commercial Director, Rossendale Transport; Andrew Varley, Lancashire County Council; Councillor Hazel Steen, Chairman, Rossendale Transport Ltd; County Councillor Bob Wilkinson, Lancashire County Council and David Wilson, Area Manager, Bus Services, Lancashire County Council 

 

County Councillor Bob Wilkinson said, "The team narrowly missed out on the title to GMPTE, but came in ahead of Transport for London which is an excellent result. It really demonstrates the strength and success of the scheme.

 

“Since its launch in January 2005, the service has continued to develop and grow. These low-floor, narrower than normal, vehicles make it easier to board the bus and easier to get around the valley. These narrower vehicles are able to access most narrow roads in the borough and negotiate congested roads more easily.”

 

The County Rider service was launched on 23 January 2005, using four low-floor Mercedes Sprinter buses with seating for 13 passengers and a wheelchair area.

 

Each day, one of the vehicles travels along fixed routes serving estates in the Oakley, Crawshawbooth and Whitewell Bottom areas of Rossendale. The three other vehicles provide a Dial-a-Ride facility for the borough. On Wednesdays and Saturdays a semi-fixed route operates to serve Bacup Market.

 

A booking system is in place for the Dial-a-Ride style operation. Vehicles are operated by a dedicated team of six drivers from Rossendale Transport and operate between the hours of 7am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays.

 

The County Rider has been a success since its introduction, growth has been dramatic, showing almost a 350% increase over a twelve month period using the new vehicles on the service.

 

To Find out more about the UK Bus Awards, Click Here

 

For more information on County Rider, click Here