Issue - meetings

The Committee welcomed Andy Campbell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East and Tom Waterhouse, Operations Manager at Cambridge to North Area Committee.

 

The following questions were asked by members of the public and Councillors.

 

Q1    Why had the route of the Citi 8 changed so that is now terminates at Drummer Street when it previously went on to Addenbrooke’s Hospital? A petition will be presented to the County Council seeking a full reinstatement of the route.

 

A. This bus serves a rural community and the unpredictable nature of Hills Road traffic caused timetabling issues and delays. Most bus users used tickets that allow them to use more than one bus without additional expense and once in the central area, there were a number of buses that allowed passengers easy access to the hospital. A decision had been taken that termination at Drummer Street would allow greater efficiency.

 

Q2.   Milton Road currently has a poor service. Could the Citi 2 be re-routed for some of its trips?

 

A. This would not be possible. However, increased demand as Waterbeach grows could lead to an improved services as some future date.

 

Q3.   Would a bus lane be viable in Histon Road?

 

A. Most of Histon Road was too narrow for this option.

 

Q4.   Have cashless buses been considered?

 

A. Cashless trips where encouraged and the online purchase of tickets was increasing. However, some member of the public still preferred to purchase on the bus.

 

Q5.   Milton Road was experiencing all the pain of City Deal Improvements but would see little gain.

 

A. The City Deal offers little extra profit for the bus companies. Any changes would involve high risk commercial outlay.

 

Q6.   Would there a be a link from the Histon Road and Milton Road to the Cambridge North Station?

 

A. There could be service changes such as the Citi 2 terminating at the station or services from St Ives and Northstowe going to the station.

 

Q7.   What can be done to give buses better road priority?

 

A. Increased use of rising bollards, bus lanes and improved signalling.

 

Q8.   Guided buses and Park and Ride buses should stop more frequently in the City.

 

A. This would make it less popular with those using it to come in from rural area. Parking charges, and confusion about how to pay for parking, had already reduced use of Park and Ride.

 

Q9.   Why do all buses go to Drummer Street? Have orbital routes been considered?

 

A. Service users want to go into central Cambridge. A proper bus station was needed.

 

Q10. The voice of bus providers and users is not listened to by decision makers.

 

Q11. Mitcham’s Corner is badly served by buses.

 

A. This is an issue for the City Deal Board.

 

Q12. Have tidal bus lanes been considered?

 

A. This can work but signage and bus stop access would need careful consideration.

 

Q13. Citi 1 is full of students when it arrives at Gilbert Road in the mornings. Can an alternative service be provided for them?

 

A. Varying a service at certain times of the day is confusing for users and unpopular.

 

Q14. When will the Guided Bus service be re-tendered?

 

A. This is not a tendered service.

 

Q15. Addenbrooke’s site is growing. What infrastructure is in place for the increased demand?

 

A. A new bus station could cope with double capacity. Also, a there was potential for a rail station and an additional park and ride site at Four Went Ways.

 

Q16. Bus costs impact on young people.

 

A. Operators need to cover costs.

 

Q17. Disabled people feel discriminated against due to lack of space and what space there is being occupied by push chairs.

 

A. Drivers are instructed to assist disabled people and if an alternative bus is not expected shortly, they can arrange alternative provision such as a taxi.