From Sunday 4 May 2025, the Outer Circle bus route will be reinstated, connecting key destinations around the town once again. The move comes thanks to the Bus Service Improvement Plan, which has seen Blackburn with Darwen Council secure £3.7 million in government funding to boost public transport across the borough.
The reinstated service brings back the familiar 5A and 5C routes – running anticlockwise and clockwise respectively – with new and improved timetables, more frequent services, and extended coverage.
The route will serve key locations including Whitebirk, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Witton Park, and Pleckgate, making it easier than ever for residents to get around the town.
Service Highlights:
- Weekdays: Every 40 minutes during peak hours; every 75 minutes off-peak
- Weekends & Bank Holidays: Hourly service
- Match Days: Extra services after mid-week Blackburn Rovers home games, departing from Ewood Park 15 minutes after the final whistle
- New Routes: Additional 55A and 55C services to provide broader coverage at peak times
The service will be operated by Vision Bus Ltd, which is partnering with the Council to deliver the new routes.
Tony Murphy, General Manager of Vision Bus Ltd, said:
“Vision Bus is absolutely thrilled to team up with Blackburn with Darwen Council to bring these historic routes back to life for our local communities. We’re revved up with excitement and can’t wait to hit the road running!”
Council Leader Councillor Phil Riley added:
“I’ve been a big supporter of reinstating this bus route. It’s a fantastic service that allows people to get to those harder-to-reach places. And being able to offer a suitable option home for Rovers supporters is an added bonus!”
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth and Development, commented:
“Turning proposals from the bus service improvement plan into reality has been top of the agenda for a few years now; and it’s great to see it all come to fruition.
Not only have we been reinstating bus routes, but we’ve also been busy upgrading bus stops and key junctions to reduce journey times for bus users. Once this work is completed later in the year, I’m confident that those choosing to travel by bus will be rewarded for doing so.”
Residents are encouraged to support the return of the service by making full use of it, helping to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The return of the Outer Circle route marks another important milestone in improving local transport links and making it easier for everyone to travel in and around Blackburn.
