Solution agreed to keep Bretton buses running during gas works

Solution agreed to keep Bretton buses running during gas works

The Combined Authority convened a meeting with Cadent, Stagecoach, and Peterborough City Council to find a solution to the bus service changes in Bretton, due to planned gas works.

As the Strategic Transport Authority, the goal was to work with partners to find an alternative solution, after residents raised concerns about the Number 3 service, which was due to not stop in Bretton Centre between September 1 and October 25 while Cadent Gas carries out pipe replacement works. Previously, Stagecoach had confirmed that the existing bus stop was set to be closed during this time, with suggested alternative stops being located at Eyrescroft, The City Hospital and Deerleap.

These concerns were heard, and as a result of this, Cadent have offered to put a gate person at either end of the road closure, to help to clear the road where needed to allow the buses to still operate. Due to the nature of this system, passengers may still face some delays, but the company said they try and keep delays to a minimum.

A temporary stop on Bretton Way has not been possible due to the proximity of the traffic lights, roundabout and the lack of public footpaths, however the Authority is hopeful that the proposed solution will work.

The Strategic Transport Authority will also convene a further meeting of stakeholders next week to review how the arrangements are working and address any emerging concerns around disruption.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow said: “I convened a meeting this morning between Cadent, Stagecoach and Peterborough City Council to find a solution to the Number 3 bus no longer serving the Bretton Centre.

“We have negotiated a potential solution which will allow these important works to go ahead while ensuring buses can continue to serve local residents and keep them connected to vital services.

“I want to thank local residents who raised this issue and made this happen. I shall continue to meet regularly with all relevant stakeholders to ensure bus access is maintained throughout the works.”

Commercial Director of Stagecoach East, David Boden said: “We fully understand the need for Cadent to replace gas mains, but Cadent’s original plan to do it in such a way as to cut buses from being able to serve from this vital community resource for two months was wholly unacceptable.

“We therefore thank the Mayor, Paul Bristow, for his timely intervention and through the hard work of him and his team, sufficient pressure was brought to bare to ensure Cadent reconsidered matters.

“We are pleased that this will allow our loyal customers to continue to access their bus service and offer our apologies for the upset and distress the uncertainty caused whilst we resolved matters with Cadent.”

Councillor Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We were made aware of concerns from residents in relation to works effecting this bus service and have actively worked with partners to find a solution, which we hope will make a positive difference for passengers.

“Although these works are being carried out by a private company, the council has a duty to work with partners to ensure that our city’s highways and transport services are operating effectively and we will continue to monitor the situation.”