New Lincoln to Horncastle bus service goes live

The first journeys on the Brylaine B617 bus have kicked off on the multi-stop route that brings more frequent travel options for residents across rural Lincolnshire.

Brought about through a close collaboration between Lincolnshire County Council, Brylaine Travel and local communities, the service is funded through Lincolnshire County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan allocation from the Department for Transport.

Named in recognition of No. 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, which were closely associated with Woodhall Spa – one of the locations on the new route - the B617 pays tribute to Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage as it travels through the county’s heartland.

Coun Natalie Oliver, local county councillor for Horncastle and Woodhall Spa, said: “It’s a real thrill to see the B617 go live today, especially here in my own patch in Woodhall Spa.

“Getting on the bus this morning with local residents and talking to local businesses about the benefits of the new B617 bus really brought home what a difference this service will make.

“We’ve worked closely with the local communities and Brylaine to get this from request to reality, and it’s fantastic to see it up and running.”

The service runs Monday to Saturday and offers a regular timetable throughout the day.

From Billinghay and Woodhall Spa it means:

FIVE journeys a day to Lincoln and Metheringham

SIX journeys a day between Billinghay and Woodhall Spa and Horncastle

Passengers can also make onward connections:

At Horncastle to the IC56 for Skegness

At Woodhall Spa to the B5 for Boston

Local businesses have also welcomed the launch. Lou Wilson, owner of Enchanted Bloom in Woodhall Spa, said: “It’s a great addition for the area. Anything that helps people get out and about more easily is a real benefit, and it will support local businesses too. It’s brilliant to see the council and the community working together to make this happen.”

Sixteen‑year‑old Thomas Maltby, who works at Woodlands Café in Woodhall Spa and lives in Tumby, said: “It’s brilliant to have this new bus route, not just great for getting to and from work, but because I can’t drive yet it opens up loads of things that were hard to get to on my own, like going to the gym or meeting up with friends. It will make a big difference.”

Coun David East, executive member for Highways and member for Heckington division, added: “This new service is a real benefit for our rural communities.

“Billinghay, which is an area I represent, hasn’t had a regular bus service since 2016, so seeing the B617 up and running today is a really big moment and underlines the way we listened to the communities involved and worked hard with Brylaine to make it happen.

“The B617 will make a genuine difference for residents who rely on public transport to stay connected.”

Billinghay Parish Councillor Jane Ledger, who helped lead the community petition and worked with Lincolnshire County Council officers, Coun East and Brylaine to build the business case, said: “This will be a real benefit for Billinghay and every village along the route. It’s been ten years since we last had a bus service here, and the B617 will help older residents stay connected while giving younger people more independence and the chance to get out and about across the county.

“It’s been a long time coming, but now it’s finally here, and I’m so happy and grateful to everyone who worked together to make it happen.”

She oversaw a ribbon cutting ceremony at Billinghay to launch the route.

Paul Hopkinson, Operations Manager at Brylaine Travel, said: “The B617 is about reconnecting communities and making it easier for people to access work, education, healthcare and leisure. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on board.”

The timetable will operate for an initial six‑month period, with passenger numbers monitored to inform future decisions about the viability of the service.

Passengers can find full timetable details at Lincsbus.com or via Brylaine Travel’s website before travelling.