A Bedfordshire-based bus company has criticised planned changes to local services, saying it is “shocked and disappointed” by proposals due to come into effect next month.
Grant Palmer, which operates several routes in the area, said the changes could leave some communities without services while introducing new routes that overlap with existing ones.
Operator concerns
Managing director Grant Palmer said the details of the proposed changes raised concerns for residents.
“The news headlines I’ve seen don’t make good reading for residents in Putnoe, Goldington and Kempston, amongst other places, but the really upsetting news is in the detail of the proposed routes and timetables,” he said.
The company said its analysis suggests that some services will be withdrawn altogether, while others could duplicate routes already operated by existing operators.
The changes, due to come into effect from Sunday, 31 May, include the withdrawal of some services and alterations to others across Bedford.
Read: Bus cuts to hit Putnoe and Goldington as Stagecoach reshapes Bedford network
Service 7 and Service 10 will be withdrawn, while Service 53 will be replaced by a new Service 2W linking Bedford with Wootton via Interchange Retail Park and Wixams.
Other changes include alterations to Service 3, extensions to Services 4 and 5, and revised evening timetables on several routes.
Some areas, including parts of Putnoe, Goldington, and Hill Grounds in Kempston, are expected to see reduced coverage or fewer direct services as a result.
Competition questions
Mr Palmer said some new services appear to run a few minutes ahead of existing buses along routes such as Ampthill Road and Interchange Retail Park.
“We are going to see new services running just in front of our established buses,” he said, “I welcome competition in business, but surely not at the expense of existing bus users?”
He also pointed to proposed changes outside Bedford, including a route in Stevenage that he said would compete with an existing Arriva service.
Grant Palmer said it has seen passenger numbers on its Bedford services increase by more than 20 per cent over the past six months.
The company took over the 41 service between Bedford, Bromham and Northampton earlier this year and said demand had been growing across its network.
Council silence
The changes have already drawn criticism from councillors across the borough.
Deputy leader of Bedford’s Labour Group, Cllr Sue Oliver (Kempston North), said her group had been unable to obtain further details from the council despite repeated attempts, and raised concerns about the potential loss of routes relied on by older residents.
Other councillors have also warned about the wider impact of reduced services, particularly for communities with limited alternatives.
However, despite repeated requests for comment from the Bedford Independent, Bedford Borough Council, and the Mayor, neither has responded to questions about the changes or the concerns raised by councillors and residents.
Read: No response from Bedford Borough Council and mayor over Bedford bus service changes
All political groups were given the same opportunity to comment and the same timeframe, with additional time offered where needed.
Announcing the changes, Stagecoach East said the changes are based on research into travel patterns and passenger demand.
David Boden, commercial director at Stagecoach East, said: “These changes are being introduced following independent research by Kokoro with people in the local community, including current and non-bus users, to understand travel habits and make changes best suited to local needs.”
Bus user frustration
Bus users have also raised concerns about the practical impact of the changes.
Some residents have highlighted the loss of routes in areas such as Putnoe and Hillgrounds, while others said reduced services would make it harder to access work, shops and essential services.
There are also concerns about the impact on those without access to a car, particularly older residents and those on lower incomes.
Grant Palmer said they plan to meet with Bedford Borough councillors in the coming weeks to discuss the changes and their potential impact.
Mr Palmer added that the business remains focused on growing its services and maintaining reliability for passengers.
We have contacted Bedford Borough Council and the mayor’s office for comment.
