This week, Richard met with Stagecoach Managing Director, Darren Roe and Business Development Manager, David Boden to discuss the recent review of their bus network and hear more about their plans to build a stronger network which will enable growth of transportation links in the longer term, following concerns about the withdrawal of Stagecoach’s routes 72 and 73 services.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Cllrs Caroline Maudlin, Tracey Stock and I have raised constituents concerns about the termination of Stagecoach’s routes 72 and 73 services with Central Bedfordshire Council, and I am delighted that the Council have now confirmed that Grant Palmer will be taking over the operations of the bus service between Biggleswade and Bedford.
As well as ensuring continuity of the service it means that people can continue to get to their places of work, education and the shops with confidence.
On Thursday, Central Bedfordshire Council announced that from 31 October 2022:
- Flitwick-based bus operator Grant Palmer is to provide an alternative bus service for passengers from Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy from the end of October, following the news Stagecoach is to withdraw its 72 and 73 services.
- Grant Palmer will be providing a new commercial service, which will include:
- · An hourly service between Sandy and Bedford (Monday-Saturday) with alternate journeys extended to either Potton or Biggleswade
- · An early morning service from Sandy to Bedford (previously provided by Stagecoach) is retained but journeys will finish earlier in the evenings
- · Journeys at convenient times for students travelling to and from Bedford College
- · A journey to and from Potton coinciding with start and finish times at Sandy Secondary School
- · Beeston is retaining its service, however, it will run on a reduced frequency (two hourly compared to hourly previously). Moggerhanger will be served on an hourly basis in both directions of travel
- · A direct service to Bedford from Drove Road area in Biggleswade retained (two-hourly)
- Grant Palmer will continue to operate the 74 service between Biggleswade and Bedford via Ickwell and Northill on an hourly basis for any passengers from Biggleswade requiring a faster and more direct service to Bedford.
- Students who attend Stratton Upper School and currently using Stagecoach’s 72 service will be transferred to the Herberts 189 route.
More information can be found on the Grant Palmer website here.
