A FREE bus service operated between Warrington town centre and Lingley Mere Business Park is to expand, due to growing demand.

As part of its sustainable travel strategy, Lingley Mere is to introduce a double-decker bus onto the service.

The vehicle will accommodate 76 passengers on each journey – 36 more than were previously catered for.

United Utilities and Muse Developments – joint venture partners at the Warrington-based business park – are increasing capacity following a continued review of the service.

The route was launched in October, 2007, and offers seven pick-ups per day. The 8.35am and 5.10pm services are the most popular among commuters, with 172 employees using the shuttle bus each day during peak times.

Robin Uttley, head of commercial property at United Utilities Property Services, said: “An increasing number of commuters are using more sustainable travel methods to get to and from Lingley Mere.

“The demand has risen so much in recent months that we decided to introduce the double-decker service.

“The success of the shuttle bus service demonstrates the growing move away from single-occupancy travel and strengthens our bid to lessen the park’s impact on the environment.”

Wes Erlam, senior development surveyor at Muse Developments, added: “It’s our goal to reduce single-occupancy car use to, from and around Lingley Mere Business Park and promote sustainable travel as much as possible.

“The enhanced bus service perfectly complements the introduction of an on-site bike pool, which allows employees at Lingley Mere to commute between 380,000 sq ft of office accommodation. These initiatives are just the beginning of far-reaching transport plans at Lingley Mere.

“In the future, we will be introducing many different schemes to promote sustainable transport use for all members of the business park.”

Located next to Junction 8 of the M62 in Warrington, Lingley Mere is an expanding business park that currently provides 380,000 sq ft of office accommodation within 100 acres of semi-manicured parkland.

The joint venture partnership works alongside joint agents, GVA and Edwards & Co, both of which are based in Manchester.