Cllr Graeme Coombes (Conservative, Wilstead and Wixams) has welcomed Stagecoach’s decision to re-evaluate their MK1 bus service.
The service was introduced in November 2022, replacing the old 81 service, but has been criticized for its poor reliability and lack of communication by bus users.
Cllr Coombes says many have been left stranded due to the MK1’s untimely arrivals and the bus’s failure to show up on time. This has caused frustration for those who rely on the service in Wilstead and Wixams.
“Since the overhaul to Bedfordshire’s bus network last November I’ve heard repeated complaints about the MK1, which replaced the 81 service,” he said.
Took MK1 bus earlier from #Bedford to #Wixams
Many residents have complained to me about delays with this appalling service.
The 3:20pm service from Bedford was 10 min late picking up at Cauldwell St. then a full 16 min late arriving Wixams.
Not good enough @Stagecoach_East pic.twitter.com/tTnauLZH2Z
— Cllr. Graeme Coombes (@GSCoombes) February 14, 2023
“Sending buses along the M1 is utter madness and it’s no wonder there are delays. I hope to see this part of the route removed from the new timetable. My own recent journey on the MK1 got me to Wixams 16 minutes late, though residents tell me I got off lightly.
From unacceptable delays to a lack of communication on bus arrivals, Wilstead and Wixams residents have been frustrated by an unreliable service and unrealistic timetable. This is simply not good enough.”
After Cllr Coombes raised the issue with the bus company through Twitter, Stagecoach said that they have reviewed the service and are planning to introduce a new timetable on 4 June.
“I hope the new timetable will be an improvement on the current one,” added Cllr Coombes.
