The ‘Rivington Rambler’ bus is all set to run again this summer, offering an easily accessible public transport link to Lancashire’s popular Rivington Country Park.
This year the bus will provide a direct link from the train at Horwich Parkway Station, and will run via Horwich town centre and Lever Park Avenue via Rivington Lane and back via Horrobin Lane.
The bus, operated by Diamond Bus North-West, offers convenient rail-bus connections with trains at Horwich Parkway from 10.35, then at 35 minutes past the hour each hour until 16.35. It also connects with trains back to Bolton and Manchester at 11.45 and then 45 minutes past the hour each hour until 17.45.
The bus will stop on request, where it is safe to do so in Rivington – and use normal bus stops in Horwich, including The Beehive, Victoria Road, Leisure Centre, Sainsbury’s, and The Crown (Stand B on Lee Lane).
The standard flat fare will be just £1, with children paying 50p. Ordinary concessions will be valid so some users will pay nothing at all. The cash revenue from the service will be donated to Rivington Heritage Trust. The service is being funded by Northern Trains, CrossCountry Trains, and Transport for Greater Manchester, supported by Horwich Town Council and Community Rail Network.
A special preview of the new service operated on Friday, May 20, with guests from Bolton MBC, Horwich Town Council, and Anderton Parish Council.
Paul Salveson, chair of the South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership (SELCRP), which is promoting the service, said: “We’re delighted to be able to run the Rivington Rambler once again, this time with even better links to the train. It will also offer a connection from the train at Horwich Parkway to Horwich town centre. The special low fare puts it well within the reach of most pockets, whether you’ve got a car or not.”
Chris Jackson, regional director for Northern Trains, said: “We are confident that the service will encourage our customers to get out and about to explore all the fantastic activities which are available in the West Pennines area.”
John Robson, CrossCountry regional director, West Midlands and North West, said: “We are proud to be supporting South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership again this year with funding towards their Rivington bus project. It’s important to give passengers a sustainable option via public transport so as the domestic car isn’t the first option when travelling. This initiative stood out as it brings both bus and rail together in a collaborative way, promoting leisure locally.”
Bob Dunn, managing director of Rotala plc, added: “I am delighted that Diamond Bus will be working with the South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership to provide a special service once again to the beautiful area of Rivington.”
The service will run every Sunday and Bank Holiday through to October 23, but is also running on Thursday and Friday June 2 and 3 to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
To find out more about SELCRP, visit their website here.
