Improving your services

Decarbonisation

We are making our bus network more eco-friendly and better for the environment through the introduction of electric buses in Oakham through the Oakham Hopper and soon enough the Uppingham Hopper as well.

Travel incentives and promotions

We are introducing an annual promotions calendar including free or discounted travel campaigns throughout the year. This includes enhanced promotion and marketing to raise awareness of existing, new and enhanced services and travel incentives.

Easy ticketing and youth engagement

We are simplifying existing ticketing options for all residents as well as age brackets and also implementing a youth travel ID card to help improve usage of young people on our buses.

Bus stop audits and improvements

We are improving the comfort, accessibility and safety of waiting areas along with the introduction of real time sign information to boost public confidence in our network.

Utility permit scheme

We are working to improve the efficiency of roadwork scheduling to reduce delays and diversions. We know the inconvenience this can cause, therefore we are attempting to minimize the impact that this important work has on your journey.

Creation of travel hubs

We are improving onwards travel information and the integration between travel modes with more information on this to be released shortly.

Bus Service Improvement Delivery Plan 2025 to 2026

Category of scheme/measure	Name of scheme/measure	Additional information
Bus priority infrastructure	Study – Oakham Station level crossing – Cold Overton Road, B640 Barleythorpe Road, Melton Road junction improvement scheme	to Improve connectivity between the new MobiHub, railway station and bus station, supporting smoother and faster transfers for passengers, including those using the new DRT service prioritisation of buses to explore measures to give buses priority at the junction, reducing delays and improving journey times and service reliability safer, more accessible direct routes between bus stops and local destinations will improve the experience for all passengers, particularly those with limited mobility, older people, and those travelling with children help prioritise buses through a very complex road
Bus service support and network development	Bus service enhancements	to introduce an enhanced timetable for the R1 service operating between Melton, Oakham, Uppingham and Corby by providing an additional vehicle and new links to Corby Rail Station as well as health, schools and colleges provide an R5 peak service operating in the south of the county to Stamford and local colleges and schools
Simpler and more affordable fares	Free fares on the new DRT services	the new countywide DRT services being introduced is a new concept for residents and the proposal is to offer free services during 2025 and 2026 whilst residents become confident in using the new services
Bus stops, stations and interchanges	Refurbish and reopen Oakham Bus Station	Oakham Bus Station closed in April 2023 due to anti-social behaviour and urgent roof repairs - this scheme will make the roof repairs, introduce a customer contact point and make it a safe waiting place with increased security
Bus stops, stations and interchanges	Upgrade bus stop infrastructure on routes 201 and 202 and R1 south	to make improvements or add bus shelters to 10 locations along the route of these services, which have been requested by the operators and will provide a safe place for passengers
Improved information and marketing	Behaviour change campaign to encourage use of the new DRT and bus network services, including interactive maps	a countywide campaign using social media, website and interactive displays to increase patronage on the new network of DRT and fixed bus routes
Bus service support and network development	Oakham Hopper Bus Service	support to this service operated by Rutland County Council
LTA delivery and admin costs	Resources	additional resources to support the delivery of the 2025 to 2026 BSIP Delivery Plan

Improving your services