It runs between Accrington and Manchester, serving the communities of Haslingden, Ramsbottom, Prestwich and Harpurhey, Collyhurst during peak times.

In 2016, following a rebrand across the Transdev Blazefield network, the X41 was renamed 'The Red Express' and gained an upgraded fleet of Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs.

These buses received facelifted front ends from later Eclipse Gemini models and were upgraded internally to feature leather seats, free WiFi and USB charging outlets.

In 2018, following customer feedback and a campaign by local MPs, the service was re-routed to serve Ramsbottom while dropping Blackburn.

Shortly after, the double deckers were withdrawn, replaced by single deck Wright Eclipse Urban bodied Volvo B7RLEs.