Over the last three years the Kickstart programme has helped councils and bus operators introduce 43 new or enhanced bus services. This resulted in increases in local bus use and improved the quality of bus services for local communities. For example:
* Lancashire County Council has reduced social exclusion and improved access to local colleges, the local hospital, several leisure facilities and supermarkets by offering new, round the clock services across Chorley. (Kickstart award: £802,618)
* Greater Manchester PTA was awarded some £285,000 for the new X34 all day express link between Leigh and Manchester, run by First. The services provide access to employment opportunities, and to Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station for interchange purposes.
* Cheshire County Council received £998,564 to help transform bus travel on the Northwich - Winsford - Leighton Hospital - Crewe corridor (route 44km), a core route in central Cheshire.
Ruth Kelly said:
"If we are to encourage more people to leave their car at home we have to give them more choice over how they travel.
"Kickstart has already made a real difference, giving people reliable, accessible, modern and comfortable buses and linking them to vital local services like hospitals, employment, schools or colleges and leisure facilities.
"That is why I am today announcing another £25 million for the Kickstart Programme, to further improve bus services in communities across England." Councils will soon be invited to submit applications for the programme demonstrating how they will work in partnership with bus operators to develop long-term and viable schemes.
