Have your say on proposed bus service changes in Blackburn with Darwen

Bus users in Blackburn with Darwen are being asked for their views on a set of proposed changes that could mean more frequent services, longer operating hours and new links across the borough.

The plans have been developed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) and Lancashire County Council.

They include more frequent buses on many routes, including at weekends, buses running for longer hours, better connections between routes, new links to places not currently served by public transport, more consistent timetables and improved access to key destinations and surrounding communities.

The council says the aim is to make it easier for people to get to work, school or college, doctors and hospitals, shops and other important places by bus.

The changes are being funded through the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, using a government grant, as part of a wider programme to improve bus services.

People can see the list of affected routes on the LCCA website and submit their views by email from Wednesday 19 August to Tuesday 15 September.

The proposed services and changes are due to start on 29 November 2026.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “We know how important reliable and accessible bus services are for our residents. These proposals represent a significant opportunity to improve connections across Blackburn with Darwen, helping people get to work, education, healthcare appointments and local services more easily.

“We encourage everyone who uses local bus services, or would like to use them more often, to tell us what they think.”

The council says it is especially keen to hear from people who think the proposed changes could make it harder for them to travel by bus.

Comments can be emailed to buspartnership@lancashire-cca.gov.uk by Tuesday 15 September.