NovusDirect bus service enhanced in response to strong passenger growth

Central Connect, in partnership with GO Travel Solutions and the Drummond Estate, are excited to announce improvements to local bus services for the fast-growing New Lubbesthorpe development in Leicestershire, coming into effect on Monday 6th January 2025. The changes follow a careful review of passenger demand and route efficiency, ensuring the local bus network remains sustainable and tailored to residents’ travel needs.

As part of the changes, NovusDirect will be upgraded to provide additional capacity during peak times, with an enhanced 15 minute frequency introduced during off-peak hours on weekdays. Passengers will also see improved reliability due to additional time being built into timetables to allow for recovery from traffic delays.

Since launching in August 2022, NovusDirect has experienced remarkable growth, with passenger numbers soaring from just 2,000 passengers monthly to its current peak of over 15,000. Week by week, more and more residents from New Lubbesthorpe are choosing to use the bus, reflecting rising demand for reliable, frequent, and sustainable public transport links to Leicester city centre. This increase in usage demonstrates how NovusDirect has quickly become an essential part of daily life for local residents, enabling mobility for those without access to a car and helping to reduce congestion on local roads.
At peak times NovusDirect will also be extended to Enderby, serving the Next HQ and Brockington College. This provides an easy link from Braunstone, Thorpe Astley and New Lubbesthorpe for students and commuters, without any need to change bus at Fosse Park.

Weekend services will also see improvements. On Saturdays, buses will run every 20 minutes during the day, while late afternoon and early evening journeys will operate on a consistent half-hourly schedule. Minor timetable adjustments will also occur on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

We are proud to work with the Drummond Estate to provide transport solutions that grow alongside the community, helping New Lubbesthorpe remain a connected and sustainable place to live. With more than 1,100 homes now occupied, these changes will ensure residents have access to frequent and convenient local bus services, supporting commuting, school travel and onward connections across the area.