Bus services set to change after countywide review

A number of bus services are set to be changed following a review of the county's network.

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority wanted to ensure publicly-funded investments in bus services were "giving the best return" as part of its plans for franchising.

If approved, the changes will be brought in from February.

Commenting on the changes, Andrew Pakes, the Labour MP for Peterborough, said the Conservative-led authority had performed a "screeching U-turn" on its plans to reduce a service in the city.

Pakes said there had been "major opposition" to initial proposals to remove the Werrington Centre stop from the number 62 service in Peterborough.

"The Werrington loop provides a much-needed link for residents in the area," he added.

"This is a victory for them."

As part of the review, residents said they wanted affordable, reliable and frequent buses that could get them to work, education, railway stations, health appointments and shopping, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A report to go before the transport committee on Wednesday said the review focused on sustainable, socially-valuable bus services that were as cost-effective as possible.

The proposals focus include:

• Redesigning Fenland services with improved March–Wisbech links, better weekend provision and improved access to Doddington Hospital

• Creating a "stronger" St Neots to St Ives link with the number 65 serving St Neots Rail Station, the Offords, Godmanchester and the Hemingfords

• Improved services around Haverhill, Newmarket, Royston and Cambridge, with more regular links and better evening and weekend travel options

• Simpler timetables for Peterborough, combining services where it is possible to do so without a significant reduction in overall service levels

Mayor, Paul Bristow, thanked those who took part in the review and said: "You are the people who use these services and understand what works well and where improvements are needed."

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