Public to have their say on draft Strategy for a better regional bus network

Public to have their say on draft Strategy for a better regional bus network

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is asking members of the public and stakeholders to have their say on its draft Bus Strategy in a consultation which will run until 22nd February 2023. 

The Bus Strategy sets the vision for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough which is for a comprehensive network of bus services across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that people find convenient, easy to use, reliable, affordable, and offers an attractive alternative to the car.  The purpose of the Bus Strategy is not to examine detailed, granular issues around specific routes and services; more to outline the key, strategic aims, objectives, and aspirations the region has for its bus network to enable the Combined Authority and partners to bid for further funding and shape the network to meet the needs of residents and businesses. 

The draft Strategy supports the Combined Authority’s aim to create a more connected region, which will encourage active and sustainable travel, improve health and wellbeing and reduce private vehicle journeys. Success in achieving the vision will mean more travel by bus and less reliance on car travel. This in turn will help maintain economic growth, reduce inequality, meet targets to cut emissions, care for the environment, and improve public health and quality of life.  

The Combined Authority will engage with the public over what aspects of the draft Bus Strategy are the most important, and the consultation will consider everyone’s views on the finalised Bus Strategy. The more people who contribute to this public engagement, the more representative the results will be so everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes to give us your views in the simple survey 

Deputy Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Cllr Anna Smith, said: “The public outcry about Stagecoach’s cutting of services last autumn was another reminder of just how important buses are to the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. When services are reduced, people in our region find it harder to get to work, school and shops, and they struggle to access vital services.  

“So we want to hear from you about how you use the buses and get your thoughts on our draft bus strategy. It’s only by hearing from the people who live, study and work in our region that we can best deliver a bus strategy that really works for everyone. A comprehensive bus network that better connects people to places across all parts of the region and beyond”. 

The consultation can be accessed here. 

Survey closes 22nd February at 5PM. 

Hard copies of the bus strategy consultation materials and survey form are available on request. For this, please call 01480 277180 or email zaneta.adamczyk@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk.  For any other queries related to the bus strategy, please email lauren.thomas@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk.