Later buses announced for services between Blackburn and Preston

Late-night revellers can stay out later thanks to a new step by the Blackburn Bus Company.

The operator has decided to run additional later evening services on its renowned 'Hotline' route between Blackburn and Preston.

The move aims to ensure easier and safer night outs in Preston and Blackburn and will be available six nights a week for just a quid after 7pm.

Up until now, the service was only offering late evening buses between Blackburn and Preston on Fridays and Saturdays.

However, in collaboration with Lancashire County Council, the schedule is being extended to run daily except Sundays.

From July 22, additional Hotline buses will be departing from stand five at Blackburn bus station at 9.18pm and 10.18pm.

The services will then return from stand 39 at Preston bus station at 10pm and 11pm, providing a smooth 34-minute journey back to Blackburn at a far cheaper price than a taxi.

These extra journeys will proceed through all designated Hotline bus stops on the route, covering areas like Walton-le-Dale, Hoghton, and Feniscowles.

Daily Hotline journeys between Preston, Blackburn, and Burnley will continue as per the usual schedule.

Blackburn Bus Company's general manager, Frank Stanisauskis, said: "Lancashire's evening economy continues to grow throughout the week, and so we're working with Lancashire County Council to bring our customers the same level of late evening services between Blackburn and Preston right through from Monday to Saturday.

"It’s the ideal way to enjoy a night at the cinema, a restaurant meal, or maybe take in a show at the Preston Playhouse, Blackburn Empire or King George’s Hall, while we take care of the driving."

Mr Stanisauskis added that after 7pm, travellers can cover any distance for just £1, made possible due to the support from Lancashire’s £8.5 million Bus Service Improvement Plan.

For the revised Hotline timetables and other details, passengers can visit the travel centre at Blackburn Bus Station or the online portal.