Stagecoach has received a barrage of criticism from bus users, local councillors, and our local MP after they announced cuts and changes to their bus network across Bedford Borough, which some say leave rural and disabled bus users ‘stranded’.
The bus operator announced the changes earlier this week, suggesting the new network supports a review designed to encourage more people to switch from cars to buses.
Read: Bedfordshire to get a new bus network
The plans, however, have received widespread criticism from local bus users.
Responding to the changes, one Facebook user said: “We’ve just found out via Facebook that our buses have been cut through our village in Haynes leaving people to have to walk up to a mile to get to the nearest bus stop.
“Outrageous especially as we have a lot of elderly, younger and disabled people who rely on this service.”
Another added: “All well and good about using a different company for buss (sic) but why withdraw route Biggleswade to Bedford and not include Biggleswade to Bedford route?
“People who don’t drive, disabled, older ppl and pushchair users can’t get about.” (sic)
Ongoing criticism
This isn’t the first time Stagecoach has been told their changes are “unacceptable”. The Bedford Independent has carried stories of criticism aimed at the company since we began publishing in 2018.
Read: New Borough Council shuttle service to counter ‘unacceptable’ Stagecoach timetable change
Back then, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “After months of unacceptable timetable performance, Stagecoach are now proposing major cuts which would have a harmful effect on vulnerable members of our community. This is unacceptable.”
Bedford Borough Council then stepped in to provide a shuttle bus for Cotton End and Shortstown locals who needed to get to the London Road GP Surgery.
The bus company were called “completely inadequate” for not making sure enough buses were available to help people get to and from the River Festival, one of the country’s largest events.
Read: Stagecoach say skills shortage to blame for inadequate River Festival service
This week, the Mayor has once again expressed dissatisfaction at Stagecoach’s changes.
“Buses are a vital part of our public transport sector,” he said. “Bedford Borough Council have worked proactively with Stagecoach to ensure that wherever possible services are retained with ongoing financial support with subsidies from the Council, especially in the case of our rural network.”
While the Mayor wasn’t alone in his criticism, he has suggested cuts to funding from central government were crucial for restoring a viable bus network in the Borough.
He added: “Central Government cuts to local councils have impacted the subsidies that some councils can offer.
“I would urge the Government to increase their support for the bus network, especially when many residents are reliant on public transport due to the Cost of Living Crisis.”
But Cllr Graeme Coombes, Bedford Conservative Group Leader, believes the issues lie more with how Stagecoach uses the funding.
“It is astonishing that Stagecoach could accept record amounts of Conservative Government funding just to turn around and cut the services this funding is meant to protect,” said Cllr Coombes, who represents Wilshamstead ward.
“Changes such as cutting the hourly service of the 41 bus to 90 minutes, has made commuting virtually impossible for these residents and only encourages more travel by car which makes a mockery of the Boroughs climate change actions.”
Naturally, local Green Party councillors have also expressed frustration at the environmental impact of cutting bus services will create.
Cllr Ben Foley (Castle) added: “People will notice the loss of routes like the ones to and from Willington, Sandy and Biggleswade, meaning people in rural areas may lose out on work or education opportunities.
“On top of that, the X5 is being cut to hourly off-peak, and lost off-peak journeys to Olney and Northampton are important, too, especially as the cost of living crisis and low pay are likely to mean more people deciding they can’t afford to run a car anymore.”
Calls for public-run service
There have now been calls for Bedford bus services to now be taken over by the local authority.
One local bus user suggested following Greater Manchester’s lead, who have taken control of their whole network, “franchising routes to operators under the state’s terms for ticketing, routes, timetables etc”.
Another added it was “time for councils and PTEs to come back and take control of their area’s bus operations.”
Cllr Ben Foley agrees, “these cuts are a consequence of having privatised bus services,” he said.
“What we need to do is to recognise that bus services are just that – services, which should be run for public benefit.
“These losses will risk increased isolation and poverty for many. We Greens are consistent in making the case for publicly run public services.”
“No interviews”
Stagecoach is refusing to take interviews about the changes but has issued statements about the changes saying traditional rural services are no longer “viable”.
In a statement to the media, Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, proposed a “summit” of local authorities, local bus operators, transport users and business groups that would help to find solutions.
“We care about our local communities, and we know how important public transport is to local people,” he said.
“That is why we have pumped millions of pounds of company money into services in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire trying to keep these bus links alive, as well as increasing services in areas where people are travelling more.
“But the harsh reality is that in many rural areas the gap between costs and fare income is accelerating.
“These routes have been on life support for many years, and we need a radical review of how the transport authority and operators work together to keep these communities alive and connected.”
Stagecoach also confirmed they had met with some local authorities and the Cambridge and Bedford Area Bus User groups to discuss the situation and listen to people’s views.
“There needs to be an open and honest conversation around what is the most appropriate way to ensure that communities in more rural areas remain connected,” added Dan.
“We are fully committed to playing our part in those discussions.”
Local MP for Bedford and Kempston, Mohammed Yasin, says he’ll be keeping up the pressure to make sure Stagecoach meets to discuss their commitment to the people of Bedford.
In a statement last night, the Labour MP said, “I am aware of concerns regarding Stagecoach’s new bus timetable for Bedford Borough and have received correspondence outlining the impact the changes will have on people’s work and personal lives.
“Buses are a vital service and it is important that passengers are able to access reliable routes across the Borough.
“Prior to the timetable announcement, I was in the process of arranging a meeting with Stagecoach to discuss bus services and of course following the timetable announcement
“I will be raising a number of concerns in this meeting with Stagecoach. I will of course provide a full update on any meeting that takes place.”
