Bedford Borough Council has responded to concerns about planned bus service changes for the first time, following repeated requests for comment from the Bedford Independent.
The response follows growing criticism of the changes, due to come into effect from Saturday, 31 May, and which will see several routes withdrawn or altered across the borough.
Read: Bus cuts to hit Putnoe and Goldington as Stagecoach reshapes Bedford network
A council spokesperson said the reductions were “deeply disappointing”, particularly for residents who rely on public transport.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the recently announced changes to Stagecoach bus services,” they said.
“The decision to reduce services is deeply disappointing to the Council, particularly given the impact it will have on residents who rely on public transport.”
The council said it is continuing to engage with Stagecoach and other operators to understand the rationale behind the changes and explore ways to reduce their impact.
“Council officers are reviewing the Council’s options and budget position to determine how best to proceed and seek solutions,” the spokesperson added.
Limited powers
Conservative group leader Cllr Graeme Coombes said the changes were a commercial decision by the bus operator.
“It is important to be clear that these changes are commercial decisions taken by the bus operator, not the council,” he said.
“The council has very limited powers over commercial bus routes, timetables or service levels, which are set by operators based on passenger demand and viability.”
He added that he welcomed the introduction of the new 2W service, which will serve Wixams via Interchange Retail Park.
The council also added that, since deregulation, bus services in Bedford Borough have been operated by private companies on a commercial basis, including Stagecoach.
The council does not control routes, timetables or service levels, but said it can step in to support services where gaps occur, subject to viability and budget constraints.
The spokesperson added that Bedford Borough Council continues to fund some evening services despite low passenger numbers.
What is changing
The changes include the withdrawal of Services 7, 10 and 53, alongside wider route alterations across Bedford.
Some areas, including Putnoe, Goldington and parts of Kempston, are expected to see reduced coverage, longer journeys or increased walking distances to bus stops.
The table below details exactly what is changing on Stagecoach East’s Bedford bus routes from 31 May 2026.
| Service | Change | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Timetable change | Minor changes, last bus 10.30pm |
| 2W | New service | Replaces Service 53, serving Wootton via Interchange Retail Park and Wixams |
| 3 | Route change | Will run direct, no longer serving The Hangers or Potters Way |
| 4 | Extended | Extended to Elms Farm and Norse Road, every 30 minutes, replaces Service 10, last bus 10.30pm |
| 4 / MK1 | Stand change | Will swap stands at Bedford Bus Station |
| 5 | Extended | Extended to Woodside Dover Crescent and Mark Rutherford School, no longer serves Elms Farm, last bus 10.30pm |
| 6 | Timetable change | Minor timetable changes for punctuality, last bus at 10.30pm. |
| 7 | Withdrawn | Discontinued, areas now served by Service 5 |
| 8 | Timetable change | Minor changes for punctuality, last bus 10.30pm |
| 9 / 9A / 9B | Route standardised | Same route between Bedford and Shefford, each running every two hours |
| 10 | Withdrawn | Discontinued due to low passenger numbers |
| 20 | Reduced | Off-peak trips ended |
| 28 | Timetable change | Minor running time changes |
| 53 | Withdrawn | Replaced by new Service 2W |
| 905 | Timetable change | Adjusted due to roadworks, new stop at Eaton Socon, St Mary’s Church |
| MK1 | Route change | Will serve Milton Keynes distribution centres and Luton Hatters Way Retail Park, minor timetable changes |
| X5 | Timetable change | Minor changes to some trips |
Details correct at the time of publication.
For up-to-date information, visit stagecoachbus.com.
Reaction
Liberal Democrat councillors in some of the affected wards say the changes will have a significant impact on residents across the borough.
They highlighted the loss of multiple stops in Putnoe and Hillgrounds, and warned that some residents could face walks of up to 0.7 miles to reach the nearest service.
Cllr Sue Abood (Wootton and Kempston Rural) raised concerns about reduced access to healthcare and education.
“With the loss of the 53 and 53A route, Wootton and Kempston Rural residents will have to use the C1 bus,” she said.
“With this running even less frequently than the once-an-hour 53 did, this further denies those in Wootton and Kempston Rural a decent public transport system.
“With the need to go to North Wing for blood tests, this reduction in service will make an already difficult and lengthy journey even harder for those who don’t drive.
“Those travelling to Bedford College and back will struggle as all travellers will be crammed onto one bus rather than two. This is a shocking decision by Stagecoach with wider-reaching effects than they probably realise.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Christine McHugh (Goldington) said the cuts would affect people’s ability to reach work, shops and medical appointments.
“These massive cuts affect people’s ability to get to work, the shops, the doctor, the dentist. If you have mobility issues, you may be left high and dry as far as the buses are concerned,” she said.
Cllr Michael Headley (Putnoe) added, “Axing these bus routes is devastating for local residents. After reductions and diversions last year, bus users have now been hit with vital routes being axed altogether.
“It can’t be overstated how these changes will seriously impact people who rely on the bus services. The council needs to step up and work to restore a decent, reliable network in this area.”
Labour councillors have also previously said they were unable to obtain further information from the council despite repeated attempts.
Cllr Lucy Bywater (Green, Castle Newnham) previously said the changes reflected wider, long-term issues with the bus network, including declining frequency and reliability, rising fares and decisions that have discouraged bus use.
She said the result is that services are being cut in areas where people still depend on them, warning that deregulation has failed passengers over decades and pushed more people towards car dependency at high social and environmental cost.
Stagecoach has said the changes are based on passenger demand and travel patterns.
The company said some routes had very low usage, including parts of Putnoe and Goldington, and that services were being reconfigured to focus on areas where more people travel.
It also pointed to congestion as a factor in timetable changes, with adjustments aimed at improving reliability.
Bus battles
Read: Bedford bus company criticises planned service changes
Bedford-based operator Grant Palmer has also criticised the plans, saying it was “shocked and disappointed” by the detail of the proposed changes.
The company said its analysis suggested that some services would be withdrawn, while others could duplicate existing routes.
Managing director Grant Palmer said: “I welcome competition in business, but surely not at the expense of existing bus users?”
The company said it had seen passenger numbers on its Bedford services increase by more than 20 per cent over the past six months.
Residents have also raised concerns on the Bedford Independent’s social media channels, highlighting the practical impact of the changes, particularly for those without access to a car.
Some said they will face longer walks to bus stops or be forced to rely on expensive taxis, while others questioned gaps in the network, including the lack of direct links from Kempston to key destinations.
Several highlighted the impact on older residents and those on lower incomes, warning that cutting services risks leaving people isolated and struggling to access work, shops and healthcare.
Issues highlighted include longer journeys, reduced frequency and the loss of direct routes to key destinations.
The council said it would continue discussions with operators and encouraged residents to share feedback through their local councillors.
