Lancashire is on the verge of introducing a new ‘Any Bus’ smart card scheme aimed at transforming how passengers navigate the county’s public transportation network. The initiative, which is being rolled out in phases, promises to make traveling between different bus operators seamless, thereby simplifying and potentially reducing the cost of longer and more complex journeys. At its core, the scheme would allow users to hop from one bus service to another using a single ticket, eliminating the need for separate payments for each leg of their trip.
The introduction of this system could mark a significant change in how public transportation is used across Lancashire. The phased rollout is ambitious, with a target of full implementation by 2029, assuming sufficient funding becomes available. The initial focus will be on the Fylde coast, a popular seaside region that encompasses towns such as Blackpool. A major perk for Fylde travelers is that the new ticket system would also be valid on Blackpool’s trams, further integrating the various modes of transportation into a cohesive network. However, no definitive date for the launch has yet been announced, leaving some uncertainty about when passengers can expect to start benefiting from the convenience of the new system.
The ‘Any Bus’ scheme has already seen a partial trial in Preston, one of Lancashire’s larger cities, though the rollout has been slowed by the reluctance of one bus operator to join the program. The name of the operator in question has not been made public, but Andrew Varley, the head of public and integrated transport services, assured Lancashire’s transport scrutiny committee that negotiations with the company were ongoing. Varley expressed optimism that the operator would eventually agree to participate in the initiative, noting the potential benefits for both the company and its passengers.
Varley outlined how the scheme would work, explaining that passengers would purchase a single ticket that could be used on multiple bus services operated by different companies. “You basically buy one ticket and you can transfer between buses – and we sort the monies out in the background,” he said. This method not only simplifies the payment process for passengers but also eases the logistical challenges associated with multi-operator travel. The back-end work of distributing revenue between different operators will happen behind the scenes, ensuring that the customer experience remains straightforward.
However, launching a scheme of this scale requires extensive cooperation among various stakeholders. Matthew Townsend, the head of highways, acknowledged the complexity of getting all operators and services on board. He emphasized that achieving countywide coverage would involve a “lot of different agreements and a lot of different negotiations” before the system could be fully operational. Nonetheless, he stressed that the benefits for Lancashire residents and travelers would be worth the effort, as the new system would offer more flexibility and simplicity compared to the current arrangement, where passengers often have to juggle multiple tickets and timetables to complete their journeys.
In addition to simplifying travel across the county, the new scheme will also offer a range of ticket options, including a Lancashire-wide day ticket that would allow passengers to travel across the entire region. For those who don’t need to travel so extensively, the scheme would also feature tickets tailored to specific zones, enabling more localized travel at a lower cost. This tiered pricing model ensures that the ‘Any Bus’ scheme is flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of Lancashire’s residents and visitors.
The project also extends beyond physical tickets. Lancashire transport authorities are developing a single app designed to bring together travel information from across the county. This app would serve as a one-stop shop for passengers, offering real-time information on bus services, routes, and potential delays. By centralizing this information, the app aims to make it easier for travelers to plan their journeys and ensure they have the most up-to-date information at their fingertips.
One notable feature of the Fylde coast rollout is its inclusion of Blackpool’s trams, which are a popular mode of transport for both locals and tourists. However, not all modes of transport will be included in the initial phases of the scheme. For example, the committee was informed that there are no immediate plans to integrate the Knott End to Fleetwood ferry service into the ticketing system, although officials did acknowledge that there is an “ambition” to eventually bring the ferry into the fold. This would be a significant addition, particularly for those living or working on the Fylde coast, where the ferry service is an important link across the River Wyre.
While there are many promising aspects to the ‘Any Bus’ scheme, its success will largely depend on the ability of transport authorities to secure the necessary funding and cooperation from all involved parties. Multi-operator bus ticket schemes have been introduced in other regions with varying degrees of success, often running into challenges when it comes to revenue sharing and balancing the interests of competing bus companies. If Lancashire can overcome these hurdles, the scheme could serve as a model for other regions looking to modernize and simplify their public transportation networks.
The phased approach to the rollout seems to be a wise move, as it will allow the county to iron out any kinks in the system before it is introduced on a wider scale. The success of the scheme in the Fylde coast area will likely serve as a bellwether for its broader adoption across Lancashire. Authorities will be closely monitoring the initial rollout to assess its impact on passenger numbers, travel convenience, and operational logistics. If the early signs are positive, we can expect the scheme to be fast-tracked in other parts of the county.
For passengers, the new system promises to be a game-changer. No longer will they have to worry about missing connections or scrambling to buy separate tickets for different legs of their journey. The convenience of using a single smart card to travel across multiple bus services—and potentially other forms of transport, like trams—will make commuting and traveling more accessible, especially for those who rely heavily on public transportation. For tourists, particularly those visiting Blackpool and other popular destinations on the Fylde coast, the integrated ticketing system could simplify their experience and encourage more people to use public transport instead of private cars, which would also help reduce congestion and environmental impact.
Another potential benefit of the scheme is its capacity to cut travel costs for passengers, particularly those making longer or more complex journeys. By offering a single, integrated ticket, the ‘Any Bus’ system could make multi-leg trips more affordable, as passengers would only have to buy one ticket instead of multiple tickets for each leg. This could be particularly beneficial for those who live in more rural parts of the county, where travel often involves using multiple bus services to reach urban centers for work, education, or leisure.
However, challenges remain. Convincing all bus operators to participate in the scheme is no small feat, and negotiations will need to be handled delicately to ensure that all parties feel they are benefiting from the arrangement. Additionally, the success of the app and other digital features will depend on their user-friendliness and functionality. If the app is difficult to navigate or prone to glitches, it could frustrate users and undermine the convenience that the ‘Any Bus’ scheme aims to provide.
In summary, the ‘Any Bus’ smart card scheme has the potential to revolutionize public transport in Lancashire, offering passengers more flexibility, lower costs, and greater convenience. The phased rollout will allow authorities to fine-tune the system, and if successful, it could serve as a blueprint for other regions across the UK. While challenges remain, particularly in terms of securing cooperation from all bus operators and ensuring smooth digital integration, the benefits for passengers—and the broader community—could be significant. If all goes according to plan, Lancashire’s public transport network could become one of the most integrated and user-friendly systems in the country by 2029.