Service will strengthen links for rural communities.
A new bus service connecting Lincoln, Metheringham, Billinghay, Woodhall Spa and Horncastle will launch on Monday, July 6, improving travel options for residents across rural Lincolnshire.
The B617 will run Monday to Saturday and has been created following collaboration between Lincolnshire County Council, local bus company Brylaine and local communities. The service is supported by LCC using Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the Department for Transport.
Named in recognition of No. 617 Squadron the Dambusters, closely associated with Woodhall Spa, the route pays tribute to Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage as it passes through the county’s historic heartland.
Cllr Natalie Oliver enjoys the view from the driver's seat of the new service
Cllr Natalie Oliver, county councillor for Horncastle and Woodhall Spa, said: “This is a terrific thing to provide for the community.
“Being at a launch of the bus with the Lancaster and some of those community-minded residents and businesses who will directly benefit is a real plus.
“This is a great example of us listening to the community and working with a local bus company to put the wheels in motion. I hope the service is well used and that the uplift along the route is enjoyed by many.”
More frequent journeys
The B617 introduces a more consistent timetable, giving residents greater flexibility throughout the day.
From Billinghay:
- FIVE journeys a day to Lincoln and Metheringham
- SIX journeys a day to Woodhall Spa and Horncastle
From Woodhall Spa:
- SIX journeys a day to Billinghay
- FIVE journeys a day to Lincoln and Metheringham
- SIX journeys a day to Horncastle
Paul Hopkinson, Operations Manager at Brylaine Travel, said: “Like all things worth having, it’s taken time to bring this service to life, but this is exactly what successful community collaboration looks like.
“The B617 is about reconnecting communities and making it easier for people to access work, education, healthcare and leisure. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on board from July 6.”
Cllr Natalie Oliver, Cllr David East, Sharron Tonge, driver Mark Odlin, LCC Head of Transport Mike Reed, Carole Blondel, Paul Hopkinson, LCC Transport Manager Stuart Eccles, Denise Cox, Carolyn Smith, Cllr Bayleigh Robinson, Susan Hogg
Better onward connections
The new timetable also improves access to wider destinations:
- At Horncastle, passengers can connect to the IC56 service for Skegness
- At Woodhall Spa, passengers can connect to the B5 service for Boston
Supporting rural communities
Local businesses say the service will help bring more visitors into rural centres.
Sharron Tonge, co‑owner of Sweet Emporium in Woodhall Spa, said: “The new B617 bus service is a fantastic boost for Woodhall Spa. Better transport means more visitors and a chance to shine a light on our village as a tourist destination.”
Sharron Tonge, co-owner of Sweet Emporium in Woodhall Spa with the B617 bus
Cllr David East, executive member for Highways, added: “This new service will be a lifeline for many and will boost connectivity. It strengthens the local economy and will help ease parking pressures by reducing the need to drive into our villages and towns.”
Cllr Bayleigh Robinson, supporting cllr for the new service said: “It’s fantastic that we’re able to get this new service moving. The hard work carried out by officers, councillors and Brylaine in listening to and delivering on the wishes of the community has been a real positive with a business model that makes the B617 a reality.”
Cllr Bayleigh Robinson
The timetable will operate for an initial six‑month period, with passenger numbers monitored to inform future decisions.
Where to find the timetable
Passengers should check Lincsbus.com or Brylaine Travel for full timetable details before travelling.