Callconnect Celebrates 25 Years Of Connecting Rural Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council is celebrating 25 years of Callconnect, its demand-responsive bus service helping rural residents reach work, education, healthcare, shops and other essential destinations.

The first Callconnect services began operating in Horncastle and Spilsby in 2001. Since then, the network has grown to connect 931 villages and towns across Lincolnshire, making it one of the UK’s largest and longest-running demand-responsive bus services.

Unlike a conventional bus service operating to a fixed timetable, Callconnect allows passengers to book journeys according to demand. Seven fixed routes also operate, while an app introduced in 2023 complements the existing telephone booking service.

Councillor David East, Executive Member for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said the service gives people living in rural communities greater independence while helping them access employment, appointments, shops and other essential services.

The anniversary was marked as Lincolnshire launched its activities for Catch the Bus Month, which will run throughout September. This year’s playful “Catch a Toy Bus” theme will help start conversations about local services and encourage more residents to consider leaving the car at home.

For large rural counties, flexible public transport can play an essential role in keeping communities connected. Callconnect’s 25-year milestone demonstrates how demand-responsive services can help address journeys that conventional fixed routes may struggle to serve.