Transdev withdraw some Blackburn bus services

Transdev has announced that from August 28 it will withdraw some bus services in Blackburn that are not commercially viable.

The company has said it plans to withdraw routes 3, 8 and 9.

Route 2, the main service to the hospital, is being replaced by Shadsworth Shuttle which will run via the hospital to and from Shadsworth.

Shaun Walmsley, General Manager at Lancashire United, said:

“Over the past few months we’ve had to carefully review some of our network due to external factors that have placed added pressures on our operation. As a business we must make sure that our services are strong and viable for the future, so these reviews are key to maintaining and running a successful commercial network that the majority of our customers can benefit from.”

He added that the routes have been loss making for several years:

“Despite our best efforts to attract new users, including investment in newer buses, timetable enhancements, simplicity of routes and fare offers. We are seeing average loads over the whole journey on those routes we are withdrawing of less than 9 passengers per trip which just isn’t sustainable.”

Councillor Phil Riley, Executive member for Regeneration, said:

“We will be doing everything we can to minimise the impact on passengers following these decisions.

“The Council is currently speaking with other bus companies about the likelihood of routes being provided on a commercial basis.”