Councils Unite to Revitalise 'Rutlander' Bus Route
By Local Democracy Reporter
Reliability and speed are at the heart of a major overhaul for the R1 bus service, following a unique three-council investment aimed at transforming travel between Rutland, Leicestershire, and North Northamptonshire.
The service, operated by Bland’s, has officially transitioned to an hourly frequency thanks to joint funding from Rutland County Council, Leicestershire County Council, and North Northamptonshire Council. The boost was made possible through the Government’s Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG).
The investment specifically targets the "bottlenecks" of rural travel. By adding a third bus to the circuit, operators aim to eliminate the delays that previously plagued the long-distance route.
For residents in the north of the region, journey times to Melton Mowbray have been slashed. This improvement is expected to provide a significant lift to the local economy, making it easier for commuters and shoppers to access Melton Market and various employment hubs.
Councillor Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Transport at Rutland County Council, hailed the project as a blueprint for future cooperation.
"More frequent buses, clearer information and faster journeys will make the service more useful for residents and help encourage more people to choose the bus."
Councillor Chris McGiffen, representing North Northamptonshire Council, emphasised the human element of the upgrade:
"Whether they’re travelling to work, college, or meeting friends and family, the service will better meet local needs and helps keep our communities connected."
Councillor Adam Tilbury of Leicestershire County Council added that the partnership was vital in helping residents "access key services more quickly and easily."
The launch follows a series of community events held in December, where the new-look 'Rutlander' buses were unveiled to the public. These events allowed passengers to meet the drivers and view the refurbished interiors firsthand.
The three local authorities have confirmed they will continue to explore further uses for the LABG funding to ensure rural connectivity remains a priority.
How to find out more:
Full timetables and route maps are now available at all upgraded bus stops
Timetable: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/rutland-buses/bus-timetable-blands-r1
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