A new bus service trial has been launched linking Keele University and other major employment sites in part of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
D&G Bus is trialling Service K, which links the Science and Innovation Park with Chesterton, stopping at the Caudwell International Children’s Centre, the Darwin Building and halls of residence, Bradwell Hospital and Lymedale and Parkhouse industrial estates.
The service is part of a two-year trial and operates under contract to Staffordshire County Council.
It is currently subsidised by a £371,000 contribution from the Newcastle Town Deal to help it become established, with further funding available from the government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that the new K bus service trial is now live thanks to a major investment funded by the Newcastle Town Deal.
“It connects Keele University with key areas where staff, students and science park professionals live for the first time – providing them and other residents with a convenient, affordable and more sustainable way to access the venue – and also provides better connections to Lymedale and Parkhouse industrial estates which are also major employment sites for local people.
“It’s hoped that this investment in public transport will improve the quality of the bus network, enhance passenger experience and in turn, encourage more people to travel by bus instead of using the car.”
The service is one of four projects within the sustainable transport element of the £23.6 million Town Deal – which is led by the borough council and the university with support from partners – designed to improve bus infrastructure and services across the borough to open up growth opportunities through enhanced physical and digital connectivity, aligned with clean and sustainable economic development.
Other transport-related measures in the Town Deal include plans for a “green” Newcastle bus station, powered by solar energy; maximising connectivity between Newcastle town centre and Keele University via an express X25 service; real time passenger information on the most used bus stops in the area and a feasibility study into making the fleet on the A525 Keele corridor more environmentally-friendly.
