First Bus to introduce new network for Colchester
First Bus has designed a new network for Colchester services which will see more frequent buses, new connections and simpler journeys across the city.
The changes will be introduced from Sunday 20 December and follow its successful acquisition of the depot and routes operated by Arriva.
The purchase has enabled First Bus to create a joined-up network for Colchester which will involve some fresh route numbers and changes to certain timetables.
Simon Mathieson, Regional Director of First Bus East & Midlands, said: “This is a new era for easier bus travel in Colchester. Our network team has worked carefully to incorporate the former routes of Arriva, while also providing more frequent services, better connections and simpler journeys
“We are really looking forward to starting in December and are confident customers will enjoy the improvements across the city.”
Anyone that has an existing Arriva ticket or pass from Sunday 20 December will be able to use this on First Bus services until the date it expires.
New numbers for former Arriva services
Four services previously operated by Arriva will be replaced as follows:
Services 1 and 3: become a new Service 55 with journeys up to every 11 minutes Monday to Friday and 15 minutes on Saturday.
Service 2: becomes a new Service 58A for the City Centre, St Johns and Highwoods section with the Mile End and Horkesley Heath area covered by Service 87.
Service 8: is replaced by new Services 58 and 58A which combine to provide buses up to every 10 minutes Monday to Friday and 15 minutes on Saturday.
Simon Mathieson added: “We’re looking forward to serving more communities and welcoming new customers on board.
“Our teams are busy preparing to ensure that customers have the information they need well in advance to help plan journeys. There are details on our website explaining how the new network and routes will operate and timetables and maps will be added soon.”
More connections
New timetables and renumbering of selected existing First Bus services will also be introduced.
More connections will see up to nine buses an hour between Highwoods, Colchester Hospital, Colchester station, which will also enjoy new links from Harwich Road and West Bergholt, and the city centre. Greenstead will be served by buses every 5-6 minutes.
A programme of activity is now underway to display the new network service numbers and routes at bus shelters and stops across Colchester together with on-bus posters and information leaflets.
A dedicated page with details of the network together with route descriptions can be found on the First Bus website https://www.firstbus.co.uk/essex/plan-journey/colchester-network-changes and further information will be updated in the coming weeks.
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