Cambridge congestion: Stagecoach calls for communication

Stagecoach East is calling for better communication as Cambridge closures are due to cause disruption in the city.

The operator has called for a combined effort to improve communication and joined-up thinking in a bid to help passengers to travel around Cambridge as easily and quickly as possible.

The comments come after news emerged that utilities work would close Girton High Street on Sunday 10 September and Sunday 17 September, leaving Stagecoach without any feasible diversion route on bus service 6, as an alternative to keep passengers connected. Meanwhile, UK Power Networks is set to cause disruption to bus service 1 on Gazelle Way from 11 September until 6 October, and the new Springstead Village development is set to have traffic control on the Gazelle Way roundabout from 18 September.

“Now is the time for everyone, including the utility companies, to engage with bus operators directly in a meaningful and productive way” – David Boden, Business Development Director of Stagecoach East

David Boden, Business Development Director of Stagecoach East, said: “As a company we consistently run more than 98% of our scheduled miles. We want to achieve the same with punctuality, but this is made difficult in Cambridge not only by general congestion, but also by planned road works.

“Cambridgeshire County Council officers work exceptionally hard to try to mitigate the effects on our services from roadworks where they can, but there are sadly limits to their powers. Now is the time for everyone, including the utility companies, to engage with bus operators directly in a meaningful and productive way. With such engagement and a desire from the utility companies to go the extra mile, even when this costs them extra money, solutions can be found, such as shuttle buses paid for by the utility company.

“Service 1 is the busiest bus route in Cambridge, offering key strategic links for our customers. Sadly, this is not first time Gazelle Way has been dug up this year, and what this has meant for our customers, when combined by congestion in the city, is that, we have had to reluctantly reduce the frequency of the service 1 down from every ten minutes to every 12, just to ensure we can offer our loyal customers as reliable a service as we can.

“Buses are a key lifeline for the city, and with a genuine desire from everyone to go that extra mile in minimising disruption to bus services, we can offer the residents of Cambridge the excellent service that we all want them to have.”

Stagecoach East’s call comes as Cambridge City Council drops its plans to introduce a congestion charge zone in the city.