Bus firm cites congestion in route change

TRAFFIC congestion in the centre of Leicester is forcing bus firm Arriva to alter services for passengers heading to the city.

The changes will take effect from Saturday April 22 and exact details are yet to be announced.

Arriva say the changes to routes and timetables will ‘deliver better connectivity and improved punctuality’ for bus users across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Some routes will see increased frequencies, while others will have more direct journeys into the city centre.

Roadshows are being planned to flesh out the revisions and reassure customers.

Arriva’s Area managing director Simon Mathieson said: “Leicester is one of the most congested cities in the UK and as our region’s economy and population grows so does the volume of traffic on our roads.

“We’ve reviewed our services to offer faster and more direct journeys where we can, and to reflect the effects of increased congestion around the city centre.”

The changes are focused on services operating along key arterial routes including Hinckley Road, Narborough Road, Aylestone Road, Welford Road and Humberstone Road.

Mr Mathieson said: “We know that change can be an emotive subject, particularly if it disrupts people’s travel patterns. To help inform our customers of any changes affecting them we’ll be holding roadshow events in the city centre during April. Information on services and timetables will also be available via our website and real time information via the Arriva Bus app.”

The changes follow a review using detailed analysis of passenger boardings and GPS tracking data.