A new direct bus service linking Wootton and Bedford is set to launch next month after local concerns over the withdrawal of the Stagecoach 53 service.
Family-owned Bedford bus company Grant Palmer has announced it will introduce an hourly direct route from Wootton to Bedford from Monday, 1 June.
The move comes after councillors representing Wootton approached the locally owned operator following news that the existing Stagecoach service would be withdrawn.
Service concerns
Read: Bedford bus company criticises planned service changes
Bus users had raised concerns about losing direct links to key services, including the pharmacy in Folkes Road, the nearby Lidl supermarket and Bedford town centre.
Grant Palmer says the new route will provide a direct journey from Wootton to Bedford in less than 30 minutes.
Director David Shelley said the company had been surprised by the original decision to withdraw the route.
“I was approached by Bedford Borough councillors asking if we could help,” he said.
“We had been surprised by the decision to withdraw the service in the first place, but the discussions with local representatives highlighted the specific issues.”
Local expansion
Read: Bedford Borough Council breaks silence on bus service changes
The company has increasingly expanded its Bedfordshire network in recent years.
Last year, Grant Palmer altered its route 25 service in Clapham after discussions with local councillors over planned cuts affecting Highbury Grove.
Mr Shelley added, “It is great to be able to help again, this time in Wootton.”
Earlier this year, the operator also took over service 41 between Bedford, Bromham and Northampton.
The company says passenger numbers across its Bedford services have continued to grow during 2025 and 2026.
Wider pressures
Grant Palmer acknowledged there are ongoing concerns elsewhere in Bedford Borough’s bus network, including in Hillgrounds Road and Putnoe, where services are also being reduced.
Mr Shelley said discussions had taken place with Bedford Borough Council about whether other routes could be supported.
“As a smaller business, there is only so much risk we can take in one go, but we will continue to have discussions and help where we can,” he said.
Further timetable details for the new Wootton-to-Bedford service are expected ahead of its launch on Monday, 1 June.
