HertsLynx uber-bus reaches 100,000 milestone

On-demand local bus service HertsLynx has recently celebrated it’s 100,000 passenger trip since launching three years ago.

Unlike traditional bus services, HertsLynx doesn’t follow a timetable or have any set routes, instead passengers can choose from a wide variety of pick up and drop off locations within designated operating zones. Passengers can select where and when they would like to travel by using the HertsLynx app, booking website or by calling the HertsLynx team.

The number of passenger trips have been growing steadily since the service began operating in September 2021, and now averages 5,500 trips per month.

Gemma, who lives in the village of Standon, has been using the service nearly every day for 2 years: "I call it my magic bus, it really has changed my life. I use it for shopping, seeing friends, going to the dentist and the gym, pretty much everything really."

Simon lives to the west in Ardley and uses HertsLynx to get to and from work in Stevenage: "I'm partially sighted and unable to drive, so it’s saved me hundreds of pounds in taxi fares. All of the team are fantastic and really look after me."

The service is designed to improve connections between rural villages and larger town centres, making it easier for people to get to work or school, go shopping, or travel to appointments, without needing to use a car or taxi. It was introduced using Rural Mobility Fund support, is part of Hertfordshire County Council’s plans to improve transport in the county and is partially funded from the £29.7m Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "For HertsLynx to have reached 100,000 passenger trips in just three years of operation shows what an important and valued service it has become to residents living in north and east Hertfordshire. It’s also pleasing to see it having been extended into Dacorum last year.

"Both services help provide residents in rural areas with a flexible and frequent bus service that meets their needs, allowing them to go about their day to day lives."

The service is currently operated by Uno on behalf of the council.