A bus service has launched connecting a new housing development to St Albans city centre.

Funding has been secured from developer Taylor Wimpey which has created a new development, Oakland Grange, in Sandpit Lane.

The new S6 service, operated by Red Eagle, will run between the new homes and the city centre and St Albans City station, via Marshalswick Quadrant.

The S6 service runs Monday to Saturday, generally every 30-40 minutes, meaning it can be used for rail commuting, off peak rail connections and city centre visits, all without the cost and stress of finding parking.

Fares start from £3.60 return to the city centre. Concessionary passes are accepted and other fare options include a £16 weekly season ticket, the PlusBus add-on to rail tickets, and St Albans BusNet offering all-day use of local buses within a zone, including Harpenden and Hatfield.

There’s also an improved bus stop at Sandpit Lane/Ardens Way, including a new safe crossing directly opposite the first phase of Oaklands Grange. During 2020, live arrival times will be shown at bus stop displays and on bus apps such as Intalink.

The buses accept contactless payment, and have an accessible design for those with mobility problems. They are fitted with CCTV and lower emission Euro V engines.

Derrick Ashley, cabinet member for growth, infrastructure, planning and the economy at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "It’s important that new developments are accompanied by improvements to our transport network, as otherwise pressure on our roads will only increase.

"This new bus service will help people moving in to the new development, as well as those who already live in the area, to get around St Albans while leaving their car at home. Whilst there is at least six years’ funding for the S6, the best advice we can give to secure the future of your local bus service to use it whenever possible."

For further information on the S6 service and other bus options from Sandridge Parish area, please visit www.intalink.org.uk/OaklandsGrange