Grantham residents and others across Lincolnshire are being asked to help develop better bus services in the county.

Lincolnshire County Council is putting together a plan on this and wants to know your thoughts.

In central government's new National Bus Strategy – published in March this year – they want the country to 'Bus Back Better' after the pandemic, with more frequent services, increased passenger numbers, and simpler timetabling and fares.

In their strategy, they've called on all local councils to create a plan to improve bus services and encourage more people to use buses in their area.

To help us shape the county council's plan to improve Lincolnshire's bus services, it wants to hear your experience using buses, whether that has changed through the pandemic, and what would help you use bus services more.

The government has pledged £3bn in funding across the country to help deliver these plans, and Lincolnshire County Council wants to secure a fair share of that funding for Lincolnshire by putting together a comprehensive plan.

You can complete the Bus Service Improvement Plan survey on the council website ]L] https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/directory-record/66555/lincolnshire-bus-service-improvement-plan-engagement-survey [L+] here.[.L]

The survey will close on Monday 30 August 2021.

People wanting a paper copy of the survey to complete are asked to call the Transport Helpline on 0345 456 4474 and one can be posted to you. Lines are open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm.

Coun Richard Davies, executive member for transport at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "During the pandemic we saw passenger numbers plummet, and even as restrictions have eased, numbers have been slow to recover. We've provided a lot of support to operators over the past 18 months, and now, rather than just looking at a recovery plan for the sector, we're keen to see this as an opportunity to improve services in the county.

"In the government's strategy, they cite London's bus network as their shining example. Whilst there are lessons we can learn from the way services operate in the capital, Lincolnshire is not London. We have our own unique challenges when it comes to buses, especially in rural areas, which is why we want to hear from residents about their experiences and thoughts."