Brackley, Silverstone and Towcester bus service improvements

27 August 2025

A series of improvements are being introduced to local bus services connecting Brackley, Silverstone, Towcester and Northampton.

Going live on Monday, 1 September, the changes aim to provide more frequent bus services between the towns and improve reliability.

As part of the area’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) there will now be more opportunities for people to travel for education, work, health, shopping and leisure. The initiative is being delivered thanks to a partnership between West Northamptonshire Council, Silverstone Park MEPC, Stagecoach Midlands and the Department for Transport.

The following services are being introduced:

• New X88 Brackley to Northampton via Silverstone and Towcester: The X88 bus service will operate as a more direct limited-stop express route between Brackley, Silverstone Business Park, Towcester and Northampton.
• Bus service 88 Brackley to Northampton via Silverstone and Towcester: The 88 bus service will be extended to Brackley and replace the 87 between Towcester and Brackley. It will also serve Silverstone Business Park and some journeys will serve Syresham.
• Bus service 87 Towcester to Northampton and Northampton General Hospital: With customers now able to use the 88 and X88 services, the 87 service will no longer run between Brackley and Towcester. However, Silverstone UTC students will be able to use the 88 service in its place. The 87 service will be extended to serve the hospital, providing improved connections for both visitors and staff.

“We’re pleased to have worked closely with partners to introduce these changes that will benefit those who live, work and visit our area. They deliver more journey options and times and better connectivity to key destinations such as schools, workplaces, leisure facilities and health services.”Cllr Richard Butler, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

“Stagecoach buses are a key part of helping to connect people and places in West Northants and these service improvements will provide customers with better connectivity and more reliable journeys. We understand the financial challenges we’re all facing with the ongoing cost of living crisis and these enhanced services provide a real alternative for customers when travelling around the region without the need to pay for fuel or excessive car parking charges. We look forward to welcoming customers on-board and we want people to know that when it comes to using the bus in West Northants, we’ve got you.”Mark Whitelocks, Stagecoach Midlands’ Managing Director

For more information on the new services, please visit www.stagecoachbus.com