THEATRE-goers will be able to continue using a popular bus route to Stratford following a successful pilot.
The bus route between the town and Coventry was initially funded by The Royal Shakespeare Company when it was set up in September last year due to demand for late night transport services.
And the route has proved so popular during a pilot that Warwickshire County Council has stumped up the cash to continue the X18 service provided by Stagecoach Midlands.
Running on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the X18 service’s last bus leaves from the Bridge Street bus stop at 10:30pm. The aim of this continues to be to improve accessibility and connectivity to Stratford for residents, visitors, students and theatregoers alike.
WCC’s transport spokesperson Coun Jan Matecki said: “We are very pleased to be able to take over the funding of the evening X18 Service between Stratford’s RSC and Coventry that has been so popular with residents and visitors to the town.
“We know from our residents that evening bus services are something that they would like to see more of in Warwickshire and we hope to be able to work with our strategic and delivery partners to deliver more over the coming years.”
RSC spokesperson Jacqui O’Hanlon continued: “Following our successful pilot for the X18 bus service, we are delighted for the region and for all customers that have been using the bus since it started last year, that it will be continuing.
“The pilot has shown there is growing demand for late night transport options for visitors, residents, theatregoers and evening shift workers coming to and from Stratford from across the region. This service supports sustainable travel options for visitors as well as supporting our goal of making theatre more accessible for everyone. We are grateful to Stagecoach and Warwickshire County Council for their commitment to maintaining the service.”
The X18 service provides links between Stratford, Warwick, Leamington and Coventry.
