You can now get out and about on the latest bus route to come to Lincolnshire.
A brand‑new bus service connecting Lincoln, Metheringham, Billinghay, Woodhall Spa and Horncastle has gone live TODAY.
The first journeys on the Brylaine B617 bus have kicked off on the multi-stop route that brings more frequent travel options for residents across rural Lincolnshire. Brought about through a close collaboration between Lincolnshire County Council, Brylaine and local communities, the service is funded through LCC’s Bus Service Improvement Plan allocation from the Department for Transport.
Named in recognition of No. 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, which were closely associated with Woodhall Spa – one of the locations on the new route - the B617 pays tribute to Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage as it travels through the county’s historic heartland.
Cllr Natalie Oliver gets on the B617 bus at Woodhall Spa
Cllr Natalie Oliver, county councillor for Horncastle and Woodhall Spa, said: “It’s a real thrill to see the B617 go live today, especially here in my own patch in Woodhall Spa.
“Getting on the bus this morning with local residents and talking to local businesses about the benefits of the new B617 bus really brought home what a difference this service will make.
“We’ve worked closely with the local communities and Brylaine to get this from request to reality, and it’s fantastic to see it up and running.”
Where the B617 goes
The service runs Monday to Saturday and offers a regular timetable 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
Passengers can also make onward connections:
- At Horncastle to the IC56 for Skegness
- At Woodhall Spa to the B5 for Boston
Lou Wilson outside Enchanted Bloom in woodhall spas
Local businesses have also welcomed the launch. Lou Wilson, owner of Enchanted Bloom in Woodhall Spa, said: “It’s a great addition for the area. Anything that helps people get out and about more easily is a real benefit, and it will support local businesses too. It’s brilliant to see the council and the community working together to make this happen.”
Thomas Maltby outside the Woodlands Cafe in Woodhall Spa
Sixteen‑year‑old Thomas Maltby, who works at Woodlands Café in Woodhall Spa and lives in Tumby, said: “It’s brilliant to have this new bus route, not just great for getting to and from work, but because I can’t drive yet it opens up loads of things that were hard to get to on my own, like going to the gym or meeting up with friends. It will make a big difference.”
Cllr David East and the B617 bus in Billinghay
Cllr David East, executive member for Highways, added: “This new service is a real benefit for our rural communities.
“Billinghay, which is an area I represent, hasn’t had a regular bus service since 2016, so seeing the B617 up and running today is a really big moment and underlines the way we listened to the communities involved and worked hard with Brylaine to make it happen.
“The B617 will make a genuine difference for residents who rely on public transport to stay connected.”
Cllr Jane Ledger and the B617 bus timetable in Billinghay
Billinghay Parish cllr Jane Ledger, who helped lead the community petition and worked with LCC officers, cllr East and Brylaine to build the business case, said: “This will be a real benefit for Billinghay and every village along the route. It’s been ten years since we last had a bus service here, and the B617 will help older residents stay connected while giving younger people more independence and the chance to get out and about across the county.
“It’s been a long time coming, but now it’s finally here, and I’m so happy and grateful to everyone who worked together to make it happen.”
Paul Hopkinson, Operations Manager at Brylaine Travel, said: “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.”
The timetable will operate for an initial six‑month period, with passenger numbers monitored to inform future decisions about the viability of the service.
Where to find the timetable
Passengers can find full timetable details at Lincsbus.com or via Brylaine Travel before travelling.