Stagecoach East Midlands has relaunched its InterConnect 505 route between Spalding and King’s Lynn. The work includes an upgrade to the Scania Alexander Dennis Enviro400 buses used, while two local authorities (LAs) will improve roadside infrastructure and provision of information in what the operator calls a “cross boundary partnership.”
Those efforts by Lincolnshire County Council and Norfolk County Council (NCC) reflect a commitment by the LAs to improve regional connectivity and enhance the passenger experience, Stagecoach adds. Their responsibilities include the installation of more timetable cases and provision of more information, all in the new InterConnect colours.
Dedicated drivers have been put to work on the route and they have received refresher customer care training, including disability awareness, says Stagecoach. Discounted seven- and 28-day MegaRider tickets have also been introduced in partnership with NCC as part of its Bus Service Improvement Plan delivery.
Speaking about the upgrade work, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director Matt Cranwell says: “We are committed to making public transport more accessible, convenient and environmentally friendly, ensuring that our communities remain well connected.
“Our newly-revamped InterConnect 505 service will do just this, providing a direct link for passengers between Spalding and King’s Lynn, and we are excited for local residents to experience the enhanced vehicles and travel in comfort.”
Mr Cranwell notes that members of the operator’s team have been engaging with communities along the route to raise awareness of the service and its enhancements. They will repeat the exercise “to give people another opportunity to learn about the benefits of our refreshed IC505,” he adds.
