Transition Issues with Biggleswade Bus Services Impact Travel Plans

In May, Grant Palmer took over several bus routes in Biggleswade and the surrounding villages from Herberts Travel, which ceased operations due to rising costs. This transition has affected many local travel plans, with passengers reporting various issues related to the new bus services.

Residents have raised concerns about the reliability of bus schedules and the accuracy of timetables. While Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) maintains that the new services keep the same hourly frequency, some passengers have experienced buses arriving either too early or late, causing inconvenience and missed connections.

Natalie Doig, a Biggleswade resident, noted that while her experience with the new 73 bus service was generally positive, her neighbor faced problems with buses arriving significantly ahead of schedule on consecutive days, leading to missed buses for some passengers. The mismatch between bus and train schedules has also been highlighted, making it challenging for commuters to plan their journeys effectively.

Julian Vaughan, vice chair of the Bedfordshire Bus User Forum, acknowledged the effort by Grant Palmer but emphasized that the current bus services are inadequate for Biggleswade and its neighboring villages. He pointed out that reduced service frequency and funding cuts have led to increased social isolation and limited travel options for residents. Vaughan stressed the need for better public transport to make buses a viable option for more commuters.

CBC defended the new bus service, stating that it maintains the same hourly loops as before. A spokesman highlighted a 40% increase in bus usage in Central Bedfordshire over the past year, with overall usage reaching 87% of pre-Covid levels.

Dave Shelley, director of Grant Palmer, explained that the company had less than four weeks to prepare for the new services, resulting in some initial challenges. Despite reports of early buses, Shelley insisted that most services are running on time, and the company is closely monitoring reliability. He also noted that the 73 bus is timed to coordinate with train schedules, providing a 20-minute connection to London-bound trains.

The changes in Biggleswade bus services have created a mixed impact on local travel, highlighting the challenges of maintaining reliable public transport amid financial and operational constraints.