Changes to bus services in and around Warrington have been announced by the council, set to take effect in the upcoming months.
The CAT5 service, operated by Warrington’s Own Buses, will continue to receive support from Warrington Borough Council and TfGM. However, there will be a reduction in the evening timetable within Greater Manchester. Despite this change, the service will maintain its current route, providing access into the Bee Network for onward travel to Manchester Airport.
The X5 service, also operated by Warrington’s Own Buses, will see some alterations. It will be partially replaced by a new 5a service running from Warrington to Lymm Cross. This new service will operate every 30 minutes, offering access to the Bee Network at Lymm Cross. The section of the X5 from Lymm to Manchester Airport will be replaced by the new Bee Network 289 service from Altrincham to Lymm Cross via Higher Lane and Broomedge, facilitating cross-boundary travel through this alternative route.
These changes are scheduled to come into effect starting Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Cllr Hans Mundry, Warrington Borough Council leader and cabinet member for highways and transport, expressed understanding towards passengers who may be disappointed by the changes to the X5 service. Despite this, all current links will remain available. The council has collaborated closely with TfGM on this matter, focusing on providing the best possible bus services between the town centre and Lymm. In addition to maintaining the CAT5 service, an investment has been made in the new 5a service to ensure reliable and regular bus coverage for Lymm residents.
Stephen Rhodes, TfGM director of bus, emphasized the importance of aligning services with the Bee Network to support travel within Greater Manchester and to and from the city-region. The introduction of the X5 last year served as a temporary solution to uphold key links until the launch of Bee Network services in January. The CAT5 will continue to receive partial funding to preserve connections between Warrington and Trafford. Passengers seeking to continue their journey to areas currently serviced by the X5 route will be able to do so by transitioning to new Bee Network services.
For updated timetables, interested individuals can visit warringtonsownbuses.co.uk/news in the following weeks to stay informed about the upcoming changes in bus services in the Warrington area.