Sustainable travel options between Keele University and Newcastle-under-Lyme have received a boost thanks to the launch of a new bus service trial.

Service K, operated by D&G Bus, links the Science and Innovation Park at Keele with Chesterton for the first time via the Keele campus, Silverdale, Knutton and Waterhayes.

Buses will stop at the Caudwell International Children’s Centre, Darwin Building and halls of residence as well as Bradwell Hospital and Lymedale and Parkhouse industrial estates, running up to every 30 minutes between 7.25am and 5.25pm on weekdays, and every hour also between 7.25am and 5.25pm on Saturdays.

The service, part of a two-year trial, operates under contract to Staffordshire County Council and is currently subsidised by a £371,000 contribution from the Newcastle Town Deal to help it become established, with further funding available from the government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Sophie Borman, Keele University Students’ Union’s Experience and Community Officer, said: “We’re really pleased to see this new bus service connecting our campus with Newcastle-under-Lyme, providing greater accessibility to education for our students, as a reliable and cost-effective transport option. The fact this is part of a project to make travel in the borough more environmentally friendly is also great to see, as this is an issue that’s close to many of our students’ hearts. This new service was shaped by a consultation involving Keele students and colleagues, and it is great to see our students’ feedback being acted upon.”