Preston Bus to launch new cross-city Service 6 linking Penwortham and Longridge 03/08/2026
More frequent buses and new direct connections across Preston from 31 August
Preston Bus is introducing a major extension to Service 6, creating a new cross-city bus service between Penwortham, Preston and Longridge.
From Monday 31 August 2026, Service 6 will operate between Penwortham Kingsfold Estate and Longridge, providing new direct links to Lower Penwortham, Preston railway station, Preston Bus Station, Deepdale, Brookfield and Grimsargh.
The new route will make it easier to travel across Preston without changing buses in the city centre, connecting communities to employment, education, shopping, healthcare and leisure opportunities along the route.
A new cross-city connection
The extended Service 6 will provide direct journeys between:
- Penwortham Kingsfold Estate
- Lower Penwortham
- Preston railway station
- Preston Bus Station
- Deepdale
- Brookfield
- Red Scar Industrial Estate
- Grimsargh
- Longridge
Customers travelling from Longridge, Grimsargh and Brookfield will be able to get on and off buses on Fishergate or at Preston railway station, without having to walk to or from Preston Bus Station.
This will make journeys to Preston railway station, shops, workplaces and other destinations in the city centre significantly more convenient. It will also create new direct links across Preston, including journeys from Penwortham to Deepdale, Brookfield, Grimsargh and Longridge without the need to change buses.
More frequent buses from early until late
Alongside the route extension, Service 6 will operate more frequently, with journeys available from early morning until late in the evening.
During the daytime from Monday to Saturday, buses will run every 12 minutes, making Service 6 one of the most frequent routes on the Preston Bus network. A half-hourly service will operate on Sundays and public holidays.
The combination of a longer route, frequent daytime buses and journeys from early until late will provide customers with a convenient new option for commuting, shopping, education, appointments and leisure journeys.
Great-value fares
All Preston Bus tickets and passes will be valid across the full length of the new Service 6, giving existing customers the flexibility to travel between Penwortham, Preston and Longridge using their usual ticket.
A special £4.20 return fare will also be available, providing a simple and affordable option for customers making a return journey along the route.
Customers can also use contactless Tap&Go for easy, worry-free travel.
Matt Rawlinson, Managing Director of Preston Bus, said:
“The new Service 6 represents a major improvement to bus connections across Preston and the surrounding area. By joining Penwortham, Preston, Brookfield, Grimsargh and Longridge together in one frequent cross-city route, we are opening up a wide range of new journey opportunities for our customers.
“This is another important step in our commitment to building a bus network that better connects our community and gives more people a practical and attractive alternative to travelling by car.”
Travelling to James Hall Distribution Centre?
The regular Service 6 route will change from 31 August, but selected weekday journeys will continue to serve James Hall Distribution Centre.
These journeys will operate at revised times designed around staff shift patterns. Customers travelling to or from James Hall should check the destination displayed on the bus and consult the new timetable carefully before travelling.
Plan your journey
The new Service 6 timetable will be available online and in print from Monday 17 August 2026.
Customers are encouraged to check their journeys before the new route begins on Monday 31 August.
View the new Service 6 route map
View all Preston Bus network changes from 31 August 2026