Home / Business and Economy / NHS Funding Ends: Key Hospital Bus Service Reduced
NHS Funding Ends: Key Hospital Bus Service Reduced
17 May
Summary
- Park and ride bus to Royal Lancaster Infirmary cuts service.
- NHS funding agreement ends, impacting staff and visitors.
- Fare increases to £2.50 for a return journey on the bus.
A crucial park and ride bus service to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary in Lancashire is set to reduce its timetable significantly from July 6. This change stems from the conclusion of an NHS funding agreement that supported the service.
The Service L1, which currently runs twice per hour, will now operate with a reduced frequency of one bus every 30 minutes on Mondays through Saturdays. A new flat fare of £2.50 for a return journey will be implemented, marking a 50p increase for adult day returns.
The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust cited "significant financial challenges" as the reason for discontinuing its funding for the service. This NHS-funded portion was used by a minimal number of staff, costing the trust £190,000 annually. While the council-funded route will continue, hospital staff can still utilize the service with updated ticketing options.
