Hundreds of new bus passengers throughout West Lindsey are being invited to 'get connected' thanks to the latest expansion of the CallConnect bus service.

Lincolnshire County County's bus service, designed especially for modern rural living, has announced an increase from five buses to six in the West Lindsey district from early November.

Reaching more than 60 new village locations, the expansion, in partnership with West Lindsey District Council, will enable hundreds of residents to travel to more locations, hubs and services as well as providing improved connectivity to the wider bus and rail network.

The new bus service will offer passengers new connection points including uphill Lincoln and Saxilby. In addition, customers with limiting mobility will be able to take advantage of CallConnect's gate-to-gate service.

The new 100L bus service, operated by Stagecoach East Midlands in villages north of Lincoln, is set to start on Monday, 6th November.

The launch will coincide with a major series of roadshows in villages served by the new 100L service to promote the features and benefits of this unique initiative (see Notes to editor for details).

Cllr. Richard Davies, executive member for highways and transport at Lincolnshire County Council, said:

"This new collaboration and expansion is all about connectivity. CallConnect has evolved into a major county bus network over the past 16 years and we are working hard to ensure Lincolnshire residents in every part of the county can make the journey to their destination.

"The new expansion is all part of the process of connecting up the network and we want to continue to do that so as many residents as possible can travel where they want, when they want."

Cllr Lewis Strange, member champion for transport at West Lindsey District Council, added:

“This is excellent news for West Lindsey residents. Living in a rural location is challenging for old and young alike, and CallConnect is vital for many people.

“It will enable hundreds of residents to travel to more locations, hubs and services as well as providing improved connectivity to the wider bus and rail network. This new provision will fill in a gap to the north of the Lincoln fringe villages, which will allow many more people to access local facilities. Around 12% of our rural residents have difficulty in accessing affordable transport, and this will provide that link as it does elsewhere.”

To find out more, visit www.ConnectLincolnshire.com or call 0345 234 3344.