LEICESTER’S popular Hospital Hopper bus is reaching even more people thanks to a recent extension to its route.
The service has been extended to Ashton Green, operating every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday, providing residents with direct, convenient access to key destinations across Leicester - including Beaumont Leys, the city centre and all three hospitals.
The main weekday Hospital Hopper service is funded by University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, while its weekend service and recent extension to Ashton Green are funded by Leicester City Council, thanks to a Government grant.
The Hospital Hopper is operated using five fully electric buses owned by Leicester City Council, reflecting the city's commitment to delivering cleaner, greener public transport.
Councillor Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport at Leicester City Council, said: “Supporting these types of journeys is a key objective of Leicester Buses Partnership's One Network, creating an integrated, high-quality network that is electric, frequent, reliable, easy to use and great value.
"The Hospital Hopper is a fantastic example of how partnership working can deliver real benefits for local people. By working together with University Hospitals of Leicester, Centrebus and the Leicester Buses Partnership, we've been able to expand this important service to Ashton Green while continuing to invest in cleaner, greener transport.
"The route not only provides a vital link between Leicester's hospitals, but also supports thousands of everyday journeys across the city for work, education, healthcare and leisure. It's exactly the kind of joined-up, sustainable public transport we want to deliver through our One Network Partnership, making it easier for more people to choose the bus.”
The Hospital Hopper recently celebrated 20 years of connecting Leicester's hospitals, and the latest extension demonstrates the Partnership's continued commitment to improving public transport and ensuring new communities benefit from high-quality, sustainable bus services.
There is also good interchange along the route to other destinations. All day and period tickets can now be used on any local bus operator, making it easier than ever to travel around Leicester by bus.
For more information, including timetables and journey planning, visit www.leicesterbuses.co.uk
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