A new bus service between Stevenage and Cheshunt, running through Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon, has been launched by Hertfordshire County Council and Centrebus.
The 907 bus service is an hourly service, operating seven days a week between 7am and 8pm.
The timetable has been designed alongside existing route 390 to provide a bus up to every 30 minutes on weekdays between Stevenage and Hertford - a commitment the county council made in its Bus Service Improvement Plan.
It will provide a new regular service between the towns, with connections to important destinations such as Lister Hospital.
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The new service will also serve Watton-at-Stone and the Pinehurst Estate in Hertford, as well as providing a faster link between Hoddesdon and Hertford.
The new bus is being launched with a free ticket offer, with 500 tickets for the 907 and 390 service to be given away between now and August 20. People can apply for a free ticket at intalink.org.uk/connectherts.
Councillor Phil Bibby, the county council's executive member for highways and transport, said: "The new 907 service will provide an important link across the county, connecting some of Hertfordshire’s key towns together with a fast and frequent public transport option.
"I hope the free ticket offer will help encourage people to choose this new public transport link and leave their cars at home. We are committed to making Hertfordshire a cleaner, greener, healthier county and public transport is at the heart of our plans."
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The 907 service is part of Hertfordshire County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, which has been funded with £29.7m from the Department for Transport.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: "People deserve a modern, reliable and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided Hertfordshire County Council with almost £30 million to boost its bus services.
"Supporting Hertfordshire County Council in introducing the new 907 service is great for local residents, who will now benefit and be able to make the most of the fantastic work, business and leisure opportunities Stevenage, Hertford, Ware and Cheshunt have to offer."
A spokesperson for Stevenage Bus Users' Group (BUGS) said: "BUGS very much welcomes this new route and the investment made in improving the bus network through the Intalink partnership and Hertfordshire Bus Service Improvement Plan.
"The connections that are made between shopping centres and supermarkets with this route will clearly benefit local residents and increase footfall for businesses, but in addition improve access to Hertfordshire's libraries and historical archives, and other leisure activities.
"Buses help reduce road congestion, combat climate change and provide an economical mode of transport without worry or stress of parking.
"With the extension of the £2 bus fare cap through to October - £2.50 after - we hope everyone will consider trying this service and enjoy the comfort and convenience it provides."
For details of the route and the service timetable, visit intalink.org.uk.
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