Greater Lincolnshire Mayor reveals plans to improve public transport in county

‘Positive experiences at bus stops’ and simplified ticketing are among the ideas Greater Lincolnshire’s new mayor has floated to improve public transport.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns had listed improving public transport and attracting new businesses to the county as her first priorities but says she is also keen to promote the high-skilled careers available in food and farming after hearing of the industry’s struggles to attract a skilled workforce.

The former Tory MP won the race to become the first Greater Lincolnshire Mayor for Reform after securing 42% of the vote following a election campaign when she promised to cut wasteful public spending by starting up a county version of the US’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

This website has asked Ms Jenkyns to explain more about her plans to boost public transport in the county — after she promised to create a Transport for Greater Lincolnshire body in her acceptance speech.

She said: “I know that getting around Lincolnshire can be really difficult, particularly in the south of the county and in rural areas. I want to stop public transport being a last resort for residents and instead look to improve services.

“Initially this includes the frequency of services, simplified and integrated ticketing, and more positive experiences at bus stops and transport stations.”

Ms Jenkyns had also vowed to create a Lincolnshire-wide business association in her acceptance speech.

She said: “I’m really keen that businesses have a strong voice within the combined authority and can provide feedback on what they want and need.

“I’ve asked officers to look at how businesses could take part in membership-free network sessions in different county locations that will complement the existing support available to them. Watch this space.”

The mayor says she is also keen to highlight the opportunities available in the farming industry.

She said: “Farming and food production is important not just for jobs and growth in Lincolnshire, but for national food security. I know from talking to people in this sector that they often struggle to find the skilled workforce they need – food and farming is more high tech than many people realise! And that’s also something I’m keen to do – to promote the range of great high wage careers in these industries to young people and our existing workforce.”

How would you improve our public transport network? Let us know your views in the comments below…