Enterprise Zone bus service sees 10% growth

A BUS service launched to ferry workers into a Midlands enterprise zone has marked its first anniversary with a 10% increase in usage.

Arriva’s Hinckleybus and HORIBA MIRA launched the service last year to make it easier for people travelling to the technology park from Nuneaton and Hinckley to get to work.

In addition to persuading more people to abandon their cars, the buses have contributed to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s and MIRA’s sustainability aims as the Enviro2000 service’s vehicles have low-emission engines to European EEV standard, helping reduce CO2 emissions by 50% for every person travelling by bus.  

The service is partly-funded by the Regional Growth Fund in partnership with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.
 
The service has also meant the technology park can cast its net wider when looking to attract new workers.

The buses have stop off points at Nuneaton and Hinckley train stations every 30 minutes throughout the day. The bus also connects MIRA Technology Park with Atherstone and Tamworth every hour throughout the day.  
 
Late last year the service was extended to connect the rural Leicestershire villages of Fenny Drayton, Witherley and Ratcliffe Culey with Nuneaton, offering villagers regular connections to Hinckley, Atherstone and Tamworth.
 
Simon Mathieson, Arriva Area Managing Director (East), said: “It is great news that this new service is going from strength to strength and reporting 10% growth in its first year.
 
“Part of the success has been the regular and seamless link with CrossCountry Trains to enable easy ticketing. We’re looking forward to seeing many more people travelling to MIRA Technology Park using the bus service as it becomes an increasingly popular and environmentally friendly choice of transport for those heading to the park.”
 
Dave Hockton, Senior Operations Manager at MIRA Technology Park, said: “The bus service has been a great addition to the area and we’re pleased that the first year has been so successful. The service has enabled us to widen our transport links, which is key as MIRA Technology Park continues to expand and welcome new businesses.”
 
Bill Cullen, deputy chief executive of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: ““It’s great to see the growing success of this new MIRA bus service.

“We wish to continue to develop our local relationships with bus companies such as Arriva to secure ongoing improvements to local services and improve connectivity to our key centres of employment that benefit local people.”