Public Transport Survey

Public Transport Survey Shows Strong Support for Improved
Local Services

Almost 700 residents from Elton and Ince responded
to a recent public transport survey, providing clear evidence of strong demand
for improved bus and rail services in the area.

The survey found that 64% of respondents
currently use bus services. Of those bus users, 75% said they would use buses
more frequently if services served the villages of Elton and Ince after 6pm.
There was also strong support for the introduction of Sunday and Bank Holiday
services, with many residents highlighting how current limitations restrict
access to work, education, healthcare and social activities.

Rail connectivity also emerged as a key
priority. An overwhelming 88% of respondents said they would like to see a
regular rail service from Elton, linking to Merseyrail services at Ellesmere
Port. The same proportion expressed a desire for improved connections via
Helsby, providing access to wider rail networks operated by Northern Rail and
Transport for Wales. Most respondents who supported improved rail services said
they would use them at least weekly, particularly for social and leisure
travel.

Overall, the findings highlight a strong
appetite for more frequent, accessible and better-connected public transport,
especially for residents without access to a car, older people, young people
and those with disabilities. Many respondents emphasised that improved services
would help reduce isolation, support local employment and education, and
encourage more sustainable travel choices.

The survey results will now form the basis
of constructive discussions with Cheshire West and Chester Council (who fund the iTravel bus), local bus
operators Stagecoach and Arriva, and rail operators Northern Rail and
Merseyrail. These conversations will focus on how the clear views expressed by
residents can help shape future public transport provision in the area.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the
survey. Further updates will be shared as discussions with the local authority
and transport providers progress.

This article was written with the help of
AI, which analysed the survey results and provided a summary; a human then
edited the report to ensure accuracy