PLANS for multi-million pound investment in a Bury bus service has been revealed.

A range of improvements including 20 new buses, better value tickets, and technology delivering live departure times, instant journey planning and mobile tickets, have been promised by Rosso, as part of £3million investment.

The announcement follows the takeover of the bus company by Transdev, which assumed control from Rossendale Borough Council, after the authority agreed to sell its shares in Rosso last December.

Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said: “We’re very excited to welcome Rosso to the Transdev family, and to start delivering on our promise to invest significantly and deliver a bright future for the 5.4 million customers a year who travel on Rosso services across Rossendale Borough and Greater Manchester.

“Our track record in East Lancashire and across the North is one of growth, innovation and creating buses that people want to be seen on, and we have exciting plans including immediate investment in new, hi-spec buses.

“In the coming days we’ll be talking and listening to our team at Rosso, our customers and our stakeholders about our investment plans to make sure our bus services reflect the needs of local communities and strengthen the region’s economy."

As part of changes, ticketing on Rosso services will receive a significant overhaul.

Trandev's Gold season passes and Daytripper tickets can now be used on all Rosso buses, and its Lancashire day and weekly tickets have been extended to cover Bury.

Rosso and Transdev smartcards now work on both companies' buses, and Rosso bus pass holders will also be able to use their passes on other Transdev routes in Lancashire and in to Manchester.

Changes also mean that Rosso Rover tickets can now be used on a bigger network of buses including Witchway and Red Express, while passengers now have the option to use the Transdev Go app to buy tickets on a mobile phone.

Additionally Rosso timetables and live departure times will soon become available on the app, Transdev have said.

Transdev has also confirmed that there will be no immediate to changes to Rosso routes, times and individual fares, after Rosso's 240 staff and 102 buses joined the group last weekend.

Under transfer arrangements Transdev has said it is committed to retraining all front line staff, but will maintain the local Rosso brand.

Mr Hornby said: “Many people at Rosso, Rossendale Council and Transdev have worked very hard behind the scenes to make the transfer of Rosso a smooth one, and my thanks go to them. Everyone at Transdev is thrilled to welcome our new customers and colleagues.

“We’re looking forward now to bringing many improvements to our new customers and to attracting more people to use the buses – it’s an exciting new beginning for Rosso, and the start of amazing things to come.”