Bus service updates
Bus operators are required to submit a local bus service registration to the Traffic Commissioner if they wish to start a new, or vary an existing, local bus service. This includes changes to the timetable or route and can range from changing the time of one journey to withdrawing (cancelling) the service entirely. The service must then be run at the times and along the route in accordance with the registered details. The bus operator must also notify the County Council of its intention to submit a registration to the Traffic Commissioner.
As part of the Leicestershire Enhanced Partnership, it has been agreed with the operators that local bus service registration changes will occur on the following fixed dates. Note that dates marked * apply to changes to services in the County only:
|
Change date description |
Month(s) |
Actual dates in 2026/27 |
|
Start of school Spring term |
January |
5th January 2026 |
|
First day after Spring half-term break |
February |
23rd February 2026* |
|
Start of school Summer term |
March / April |
13th April 2026 |
|
First day after Summer half-term break |
May / June |
1st June 2026* |
|
Start of school Summer holiday |
July |
13th July 2026 |
|
Start of school Autumn term |
August |
24th August 2026 |
|
First day after Autumn half-term break |
October |
26th October 2026 |
|
Start of school Spring term |
January |
4th January 2027 |
|
First day after Spring half-term break |
February |
22nd February 2027* |
|
Start of school Summer term |
March / April |
5th April 2027 |
|
First day after Summer half-term break |
May / June |
7th June 2027* |
|
Start of school Summer holiday |
July |
12th July 2027 |
Exemptions
Some services are exempted from the fixed dates either because they are cross-boundary services which align with the change dates of neighbouring local authorities or because they are a contracted service. The current list of exempted services is:
Arriva
7/7A Burbage – Nuneaton; 158 Leicester – Nuneaton; X84 Leicester – Rugby
Central Connect
93 Bingham – Grantham
Kinchbus
9 Nottingham – Loughborough; Sprint Loughborough University – Railway Station
NCT
1 Nottingham – Loughborough
Stagecoach
18 Kettering – Market Harborough; 148 Leicester – Coventry; X7 Northampton – Leicester
trentbarton
my15 East Midlands Airport (EMA) – Ilkeston; skylink Derby – Leicester via EMA and skylink Nottingham – Coalville via EMA
Other bus updates
For details of other changes to bus services in Leicester and Leicestershire including where these are necessary because of roadworks or other causes, please see our Bus Service Disruptions page or operator’s own websites for information.
Leicestershire County Council Passenger Transport Policy and Strategy
Leicestershire County Council is currently reviewing the bus services it supports financially in line with its adopted Passenger Transport Policy and Strategy (PTPS).
The aim of the review is to ensure that local bus networks can be provided in the most cost-effective way to meet the travel needs of our communities. Further information about the revised services that have been introduced so far under the review can be found on the Leicestershire Network Review page.
You can also view our Policy and Strategy documents here:
Passenger Transport Policy (PDF, 408 KB)
Passenger Transport Strategy (PDF, 556 KB)
If you would like any further information, please contact us by email via PTPS@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 0002.
