An evening peak service returns from Doncaster to Epworth

Since COVID-19 there had been an oddity in the Isle of Axholme - a morning peak bus service from Epworth to Doncaster, but no evening peak return. For a number of years Isle Coaches 291 provided an evening peak departure from Doncaster to the Isle of Axholme, but when then 291 returned after the pandemic, it was on a more limited basis before finally ceasing altogether.

Utilising Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus funding, that all changed from Monday 8th April. Firstly though it is worth noting that First South Yorkshire's 57 between Finningley, Auckley and Doncaster - with one morning journey starting back in Epworth - became the 357 on Sunday 7th April as part of a wider renumbering scheme by First in Doncaster.

With the 357 came the extension of the 1739 Monday to Friday/1752 Saturday Doncaster to Auckley 'short' onto Epworth via Westwoodside, Haxey and Low Burnham. As well as serving commuters, these extended journeys could also be useful for Doncaster shoppers; the previous last service from Doncaster to the Isle was at 1545.

On arrival in Epworth, the 357 works back in service to Doncaster, departing Epworth at 1848 Monday to Friday and 1857 Saturday. Whilst I doubt these journeys will get much use, it's good to see the bus returning to Doncaster in-service for any odd passengers that might benefit from it. The 357 also serves as a slightly later last bus of the day from Epworth to Haxey and Westwoodside, the previous service being a 399 at 1811.

An Epworth, Haxey and Westwoodside to Doncaster summary timetable is available on the Summary Timetables page.