Lancashire moves step closer to £40m transport upgrades

Date: 9/4/2013

Senior councillors are set to approve the final submission of plans for a £40 million upgrade to the public transport network between Hyndburn, Blackburn and Darwen.

As the Lancashire Telegraph reports, local authorities are preparing to seek Government approval for the proposals which include £5 million for bus stations in Blackburn and Accrington.

Whitehall is expected to give the project the green light following close consultations between the Department for Transport and representatives from the region, with County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Tim Ashton ready to rubber stamp the plans for submission to Government.

Dubbed Pennine Reach, the scheme would involve the introduction of smart card ticketing systems, improvements to bus services and the rollout of live public transport information - as well as numerous other upgrades to the existing network.

Supporters of the initiative claim it will serve to stimulate economic growth while tackling traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions in the county.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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