The new timetable, which starts from Sunday 16 April, will mean that residents will be able to travel from Warrington to St Helens and back anytime between 6am and midnight, Monday to Sunday.

The improved timetable marks the reintroduction of an evening service on the route for the first time since the early 2000s, and will significantly improve journey opportunities for people using the route.

Currently, residents are able to use the service between 7am and 7pm every day, however the new enhanced service enables residents to have better connectivity between Warrington and St Helens throughout the evening on an hourly frequency.

Alongside the enhanced evening service, there will also be a new bus shelter installed on Chapel Lane (junction with Perrins Road) in Burtonwood, for residents using the services as part of the ongoing project to replace the majority of the Borough’s bus shelter provision.

And following our existing ‘Better By Bus’ improvements, which have been in place since Summer 2022, residents will be able to travel on the 329 at any time for a maximum of £2 single and concessionary pass holders can travel for free.

There are also no restrictions on when concessionary pass holders can use their pass. People who catch the bus from a Warrington bus stop do not have to wait until 9.30am on a weekday for their pass to be valid, they can get on-board and travel for free at any time of day, seven days a week.

The improvements to the bus route are part of the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, which utilises over £16millon in government funding to invest and improve bus services in the borough.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) have also financially supported these bus improvements.

Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, said: “I’m delighted that this key bus route between Warrington and St Helens is being extended, providing greater flexibility and convenience for passengers.

“These improvements will make it easier for people to commute, visit friends and family, and travel in the evening and at weekends. Improving this service means that we are continuing to deliver a bus service that people can count on, especially for residents in Winwick or Burtonwood, or those commuting to and from St Helens and Warrington.

“Including more journeys throughout the evening will benefit both the operator and passengers, and we hope that this improvement will encourage more people to choose public transport as a sustainable and convenient way to travel."