Off to a flying start
Cllr Natalie Oliver oversees the launch of the new service, with members of the community group Carolyn Smith, Denise Cox, Sharron Tonge, Carole Blondel; supporting councillor Bayleigh Robinson and Cllr David East, executive member for transport
New B617 bus service brings fresh connections to rural Lincolnshire.
Rural communities are now benefitting from a new bus route running Monday to Saturday that links Metheringham, Billinghay, Woodhall Spa, Horncastle and Lincoln.
The service takes its name from the legendary ‘617 Dambusters’ Squadron, once based in Woodhall Spa and famed for flying the iconic Lancaster aircraft.
Designed to support residents with everyday life, it offers easier journeys for work, shopping and leisure - opening up more flexible travel options.
Local Lincolnshire County Councillor for Horncastle and Woodhall Spa, Cllr Natalie Oliver, said: “This is a terrific thing to have been able to provide for the community and a fitting tribute to the area’s rich aviation heritage.
“This is a great example of us listening to the community and working with a local bus company to literally put the wheels in motion! I hope the service is used by a lot of people in the coming months.”
The new service’s timetable brings more frequent and consistent journeys. The B617 also strengthens onward connections. Passengers can link at Horncastle to the IC56 service for Skegness, and at Woodhall Spa to the B5 route for Boston, making longer journeys easier for work, education or days out.
For local businesses, the benefits are already clear. Sharron Tonge, co-owner of Sweet Emporium in Woodhall Spa, said:
“The new B617 bus service is a fantastic boost, making it easier for more people to visit our beautiful village and support independent businesses like ours.
“Better transport means more visitors and a further chance to shine a light on Woodhall Spa as a tourist destination.”
Cllr David East, executive member for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “This new service will not only be a lifeline for many, but will also boost connectivity. Our coming together to make the B617 a reality strengthens the local economy and has the added bonus of easing parking pressures.
“I am delighted that we listened and then acted to provide this service with a local bus company.”
The brand new service, run by Brylaine, is funded through the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and will run initially for six months, with passenger numbers monitored.
The new B617 service
From Billinghay:
- 5 journeys a day to Lincoln and Metheringham
- 6 journeys a day to Woodhall Spa and Horncastle
From Woodhall Spa:
- 6 journeys a day to Billinghay
- 5 journeys a day to Lincoln and Metheringham
- 6 journeys a day to Horncastle
