Buses/Public Transport

Brainstorming on Buses and other ways of getting around – how might our travel habits change?

The 915 bus is gone and the 26 is in place, but running only two hourly instead of hourly, and funded with public subsidy only until March 31. The 17 too is funded until March 31. What next for those who rely on buses, now or in the future? This month, there are several opportunities to shape the future of transport in our area.

Cam Vale Bus User Group Meetings

Three meetings to gauge what people would like future bus services to look like, will be held in December – all welcome: 6th December, 10.00-11.00am Bassingbourn, Old School Community Centre 9th December, 12.00-1.00pm Meldreth, Elin Way Sheltered Housing Room 9th December, 2.00-3.00pm Melbourn Hub

Making Connections 2022 Consultation

The Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) 'Making Connections’ 2022 consultation closes at midday on 23rd December 2022.

Transforming the Bus Network

From mid-2023, GCP is proposing to transform the bus network through new routes, additional services, cheaper fares and longer operating hours.

Investing in Other Sustainable Travel Schemes

Alongside the bus network, GCP is proposing to invest in new sustainable travel schemes, such as better walking and cycling links.

Creating a Sustainable Travel Zone

GCP is proposing the introduction of a Sustainable Travel Zone which includes a road user charge or congestion charge. Vehicles would be charged for driving within the zone between 7.00am and 7.00pm on weekdays and money raised would fund improvements to the bus network and other sustainable travel schemes. The Zone would be fully operational in 2027/28, but only after the bus improvements are introduced. The idea is that attractive alternatives to driving must exist prior to the introduction of a congestion charge – which, once in place, would provide the revenue to run the scheme long-term. The initial set-up outlay would be funded by the GCP, itself funded by central government on a time-limited basis. However, points of local detail are vital and in their best form these can only be provided by local residents based on their everyday travel needs. All information and the consultation can be found online: http://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/mc-2022. Susan van de Ven, County Councillor and Adam Bostanci, Meldreth Parish Councillor 24