31 and 9/X9 bus services to be saved after funding agreed

31 and 9/X9 bus services to be saved after funding agreed

A bid by Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, to save two at-risk Cambridgeshire bus services was backed by the Combined Authority Board today (22 July).

The Board approved a proposal to go out to tender for replacement services for the threatened Ramsey to Whittlesey section of the 31, and the 9/X9 route between Cambridge and Littleport. Stagecoach East is set to withdraw from both by August 31.

The decision follows strong local support, including a 1,500-signature petition calling to save the 31 service, which was formally presented at the Board meeting by Mayor of Ramsey, Cllr Val Fendley.

The estimated annual cost of stepping in to fund services is around £500,000. To pay for it, the original proposal was to stop funding three routes which were costing the Combined Authority the most on a per-passenger basis – the 15, 8A and South Cambridgeshire Tiger on Demand service. But an amendment to that proposal was passed in the meeting to use existing Combined Authority reserves and budgets instead.

A review of high cost per passenger bus services is also set to take place, which will finish in the autumn, to help the Board determine whether they should continue to be funded by the Combined Authority.

The 9/X9 sees more than 12,000 passenger journeys a year, and while parts of this route are served by rail, the cost and lower frequency of the trains make it less accessible for some residents.

The 31 service is the only direct public transport link to Peterborough for residents in Ramsey and Pondersbridge, with no viable alternatives in that corridor, which has an estimated 12,600 annual journeys.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said: “I’m delighted the Board has backed me to protect these two vital bus routes. I saw for myself how much these are relied upon for communities to get to work, school shops, healthcare, and see family and friends.

“People have made their voices heard, including through the 1,500-strong petition presented today. As a Board we’ve listened and acted.

“But it is also right that we look at where we spend public money on buses. The 31 and 9/X9 routes are well-used and cost far less per passenger than some others we currently fund. Some others are costing far too much as it stands. So, over the next few months, we’ll take a close look at what needs to change, and whether that cost can be justified.”

Now approved, procurement of the replacement services will begin shortly. The new services could start later in 2025 but discussions with operators are ongoing to maintain a continuation of service in the meantime. The services provided by A2B on the 9/X9 route will remain as normal.

This decision follows last month’s approval of a separate proposal to support the 33 service between March and Whittlesey, further demonstrating the Combined Authority’s ongoing commitment to protecting the region’s bus network.