There are thousands of marked and unmarked bus stops across Lincolnshire, serving both scheduled services and Callconnect, our demand-responsive bus service.
A marked bus stop typically includes a pole and flag and/or shelter.
Bus stop infrastructure, such as a pole with flag and timetable case, is primarily maintained by Lincolnshire County Council. Bus shelters are owned and maintained by a mixture of local authorities and commercial organisations. It is the responsibility of the relevant owner to maintain the shelter in a good condition.
An unmarked (or custom and practice) bus stop is a location where it has become the norm for passengers to wait to catch a bus, there is no formalised infrastructure such as a bus stop pole & flag
In some areas there are no recognised bus stops and bus services will stop on a Hail & Ride basis. The bus driver will stop to let passengers board and alight at safe locations along the line of route.
How are bus stop locations chosen?
Bus stops need to be convenient and accessible for the people who use them.
When selecting a location for a new bus stop in Lincolnshire, the first and most important consideration is safety for passengers, pedestrians, and all road users.
Next, we look at how accessible the stop will be and how close it is to key services or locations that will benefit the greatest number of people.
Where possible, we aim to minimise the impact on individual properties by placing stops on the boundary between homes or next to gable ends, walls, or hedges.
Common concerns about bus stops
We understand that residents may have concerns about the location and impact of bus stops in their communities. Below are some of the most common issues raised and how they are addressed in Lincolnshire:
Littering
If litter is being left at or near a bus stop, including in front gardens, you can request a litter bin through your district or parish council who are responsible for street cleansing and waste management.
Privacy
Bus stops are placed on the public highway where they are most accessible and safe for passengers. We aim to minimise the impact on nearby properties by locating stops on property boundaries or next to walls, fences, or hedges wherever possible.
Bus stops are installed on land belonging to Lincolnshire County Council, which is classed as a public space, meaning that on some occasions the public may be waiting outside of a property due to the location of the bus stop.
Obstructing Access
In some cases, buses may temporarily block driveways when stopping. However, most services only stop on request, to allow boarding and alighting.
If a bus is regularly blocking access or idling for extended periods, please contact the bus operator to raise your concerns.
Requesting a new stop
If you believe that there is a requirement for a new bus stop, please contact businfrastructure@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
How to report damaged bus shelters
If you notice damaged or vandalised bus stop infrastructure (bus stop or shelter) in Lincolnshire, the best way to report it is through the FixMyStreet online platform (button below). This service allows you to pinpoint the exact location on a map, describe the issue in detail and supply photos showing the damage.
Once submitted, your report will be reviewed by Lincolnshire County Council. If the shelter is owned or maintained by another organisation, such as another council or commercial organisation, the Council will direct you to the correct contact.
Printed timetables at bus stops
Lincolnshire County Council is responsible for providing printed bus timetable information at most bus stops across the county. On the majority of bus stops timetables you will find a QR code that you can scan with your mobile phone to view live arrival information regarding the next few buses at that stop. For more information, view our guide here
Real-time displays - live departures board and e-papers
Real time information is available at some bus stops, bus stations and hospitals.
You can find out more information on the real-time displays at bus stops and how to use them here.
Real-time displays are maintained by Lincolnshire County Council.
If you notice an issue with a real-time display, please report it on FixMyStreet.
