Plans for 'fundamental' changes to bus services in Leicestershire are to be discussed next week by county councillors.

Cabinet members will meet next week (June 22) to consider the issue of "reversing the recent shift in journeys away from public transport as a result of the pandemic."

Published this week, a county council report sets out its intention to create an enhanced partnership with local bus operators as the pathway to improving public transport.

Councillors will hear that working more closely with bus operators to develop a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) would unlock significant Government funding.

The Government has committed £3billion to support a National Bus Strategy around improving bus services in England, although the council does not know, as yet, how much it will be awarded.

Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We're picking up the gauntlet as there's a need to reverse the recent shift in journeys away from public transport as a result of the pandemic and encourage passengers back on to public transport.

"But it's clear we have to work closely and swiftly with local bus operators to deliver such benefits as simpler fares, contactless payments, more services at the right times and ticketing so people can easily inter-change across public transport."

The BSIP development is also a vital strand of the council's Environment Strategy, which sets out how the council will reduce the environmental impacts of travel and transport.

Cllr O'Shea added: "Providing frequent, high-quality passenger transport services is a key element of the council's commitment to climate change.

"It will build on the recent work we've done with the city council on electric park and ride buses and our wider mission to decarbonise transport."

The council also wants help from the general public and other interested parties in developing the BSIP.

It wants to know what would improve public transport and what would make people use it more.

A county council spokesman said: "We'd like to hear from people who already use buses, those who currently don't, as well as feedback from public, private and voluntary organisations.

"For an opportunity to have your say, visit HERE.

"The closing date is Friday, 30th July.

:Cabinet members will discuss the report at 2pm on Tuesday, 22nd June, the meeting will be shown live at HERE."