Changes to bus services from Warrington to Lymm and Altrincham (CAT5 and X5)

Changes to bus services from Warrington to Lymm and Altrincham (CAT5 and X5)

A number of changes are planned to bus services from Warrington to Lymm and Altrincham from Sunday 5 January 2025.

CAT5 - Warrington Borough Council and TfGM will continue to support the CAT5 service operated by Warrington’s Own Buses, although there will be a reduction in the evening timetable within Greater Manchester. This service will continue to operate to the same route, giving access into the Bee Network for onward travel to Manchester Airport.

X5 – this service, which is currently operated by Warrington’s Own Buses will be replaced in part by a new 5A service from Warrington to Lymm Cross, with a bus set to run every 30 minutes between Warrington and Lymm, providing access into the Bee Network at Lymm Cross.

The remaining part of the X5 from Lymm to Manchester Airport will be replaced by a new Bee Network 289 service from Altrincham to Lymm Cross via Higher Lane and Broomedge, which will provide cross-boundary travel via this alternative route.

Warrington Borough Council Leader and Cabinet Member for highways and transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “We understand that the changes to the X5 bus service will be disappointing news for passengers, although all current links remain available.

“We have worked closely with TfGM on this issue, and while we’ve been unable to find a way to retain the X5, we remain committed to providing the best possible bus services between the town centre and Lymm.

“As well as retaining the CAT5, we’re investing in a new 5A service, an investment that will ensure Lymm continues to be served by reliable, regular buses.”

TfGM Director of Bus, Stephen Rhodes, said: “As we build the Bee Network it’s really important that our services support people travelling within Greater Manchester as well as those travelling in and out of the city-region.

“The X5 was introduced last year as a temporary measure to maintain key links in advance of Bee Network services launching in the area in January.

“We are continuing to part-fund the CAT5 to ensure connections between Warrington and Trafford are maintained, and people wanting to continue their journey to areas currently on the X5 route will be able to do so by changing to new Bee Network services.”