Catch the Bus Month brings a toy twist to Lincolnshire this September

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-28 15:42 3 min read

A classic red double-decker bus toy displayed on a wooden shelf indoors.

A professional juggler, oversized red hands and an invitation to try a few throws marked the launch of Lincolnshire’s latest bus campaign. The scene in Lincoln city centre on Friday 28 August introduced the county’s “Catch a Toy Bus” theme before Catch the Bus Month begins.

The campaign runs from 1 to 30 September 2026 across Lincolnshire. It is aimed at the general public rather than a ticketed audience, and the county council will promote local services online throughout the month. The council notice lists no admission charge or campaign booking process, individual event timetable, transport guidance or accessibility arrangements.

September campaign focuses on everyday journeys

Catch the Bus Month is a national Bus Users UK campaign intended to encourage greater awareness and use of public transport. In Lincolnshire, the council is asking residents to consider buses for journeys including work, shopping, visits to friends and family, and leisure trips.

Lincolnshire County Council says its September activity will highlight the contribution buses make to local communities, the economy, the environment, health and wellbeing. The emphasis is on considering the bus as an alternative for journeys that might otherwise involve driving and parking.

Catch the Bus Month brings a toy twist to Lincolnshire this September

Cllr David East, the council’s executive member for highways, said buses help keep the county connected and offer an affordable, convenient way to travel. He also linked increased bus use with potential benefits for communities and the local economy.

Red hands and juggling launch the toy bus theme

The “Catch a Toy Bus” idea draws on the familiar image of a child’s toy bus. At the Lincoln launch, a professional juggler entertained visitors while members of the public were invited to juggle wearing the campaign’s distinctive large red hands.

Lydia Horbury, chief executive of Bus Users UK, attended alongside David East and council network design manager Stuart Eccles. Horbury said the theme provides a light-hearted way to start conversations about a form of transport that has been part of daily life for generations.

The launch was a separate event held before the September campaign. The council has not published a programme of additional in-person activities in the supplied announcement; its confirmed activity for the month is an online campaign promoting local services.

Callconnect marks 25 years on Lincolnshire roads

September’s campaign also coincides with the 25th anniversary of Callconnect, Lincolnshire’s demand-responsive transport service. Its first full bus entered service in 2001, with the earliest operations covering Horncastle and Spilsby.

Callconnect has since expanded to connect 931 villages and towns across Lincolnshire. The council describes it as one of the UK’s largest and longest-running demand-responsive bus services, particularly serving people in rural communities.

Alongside its flexible services, Callconnect now operates seven fixed routes. Passengers use the network for journeys to employment, education, healthcare, shops and other essential destinations.

An app was introduced in 2023 to complement the existing telephone booking service. The two booking options allow passengers to plan Callconnect journeys according to the services available in their area.

How to follow the campaign and check services

Residents can follow Lincolnshire County Council’s campaign during September and find local route and service information through LincsBus. Bus Users UK also provides information about the national Catch the Bus Month campaign.

Anyone planning to use Callconnect can arrange an eligible journey through its app or established telephone booking service; the council’s announcement does not provide a telephone number or route-specific operating details.

Source: Lincolnshire County Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

Campaign dates, geographic coverage, launch details and Callconnect figures were drawn from Lincolnshire County Council’s announcement.

Checks

Confirmed that Catch the Bus Month runs from 1 to 30 September 2026.
Distinguished the 28 August launch in Lincoln from the county-wide September campaign.
Checked the stated 25-year Callconnect milestone and its coverage of 931 villages and town...
Recorded that no campaign price, booking process or additional in-person programme was sup...

Lincolnshire County Council Check related coverage