LANCASHIRE bus operator Transdev has pegged its fares for 2020 at last year’s level including for the Blackburn and Burnley bus companies.

It announced its New Year price freeze on all tickets yesterday including for its flagship commuter ‘Witchway ‘ service between Colne, Burnley, Rawtenstall and Manchester.

With rail fares rising by an average of 2.7 per cent today, the £38, weekly unlimited travel ticket on the X43 service is more than £10 per week cheaper than taking the train.

The £38 ticket can be used on all Transdev buses across the North, including in Burnley, Blackburn, Rossendale and Greater Manchester and across the Pennines into Yorkshire.

Steve Ottley, general manager of the The Burnley Bus Company, said: “There’s a bus between Burnley and Manchester every 15 minutes on the Witchway and during the rush hours buses go the fast way non-stop between Rawtenstall and Manchester to avoid the queues.

“Many of those who travel regularly with us on the Witchway between Burnley and Manchester have already switched to us from the train. As just £38 per week it’s great value.

“A week’s travel within Burnley remains £16.50 and within Lancashire is £22.50.”