No 2 Bus Cut - what of interim places between Flitwick and Bedford?

This is disgraceful! https://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/transport/stop-the-cut-say-mps-as-changes-incoming-to-stagecoach-bus-timetable-in-bedford-4467980 These buses are well used. Could money for new #stevenage - #bedford bus service be being cascaded? Rail does not serve interim places including Kempston Retail Park and elsewhere. Wixams Station lagging, Ampthill Station opposed by Ampthill Town Council, bad show and shame on those who say #Flitwick Station is adequate... compare costs of bus to rail into Bedford and bus is cheaper.

The bus by my observations is well used. It services places rail does not and should be a priority for public consultation and support. Please write in support of retaining the bus option, hasten Wixams and study Ampthill. Ideally a petition could be launched?

Engage with his too = feedback! https://www.bedford.gov.uk/your-council/have-your-say/consultations/bus-usage-survey-2024

Bus cuts, coming to a place near you too! Please help reverse this madness and spell out:

1. They are front-line public transport

2. They serve interim places rail does not

3. They are often a cheaper option

4. Integration brings benefits if through ticketing is enabled for all

5. Write to your MP and call for a nationwide 18-65 concessionary bus pass as a green investment, modal choice and congestion buster.

6. Join ERTA https://ertarail.co.uk/events/ and join our free email loop: richard.erta@gmail.com

ERTA Bedfordshire Forum – Wednesday 24 January 2024 – 1pm food; 2 – 4pm business, Venue: The Swan Pub, 1 Dunstable Road, FLITWICK, Beds.MK45 1HP at the Side Lounge (no charge) Landlord Phone: 01525 – 754777 Mobile: 07944-044003

Main contact: Mr Simon Barber T. 0208 940 4399 E. simon4barber@gmail.com

 

1.     Apologies for absence         

2.     Ampthill Parkway Station:

a.     Consideration of the Ampthill Doc – what could be added or edited?

b.     Making a business case

c.      Funding a questionnaire delivered to the Ampthill/Flitwick Areas (£500)

d.     Funding a study £100, 000 minimum circa thereabouts. Contributors to aspects of such e.g. a pre-study update at £50, 000 and cross-referencing on building sustainable transport accessibility?

e.     The projects needs:

-         Sponsors

-         Funding

-         Volunteers

-         Nurture of local/other support

f.       Any other related considerations

3.     Relieving Flitwick on the back of additional Ampthill

4.     Wixams Station

a.     Current status

b.     Date of delivery or not

5.     Stations North of Bedford (SNOB)

a.     Oakley, Sharnbrook (Bedfordshire contingent)

b.     Northants and Leicester see Wellingborough/Leicester Forums

6.     Kempston Retail Park/Kempston Town (on Bedford-Bletchley Railway)

7.     Bus Links to Stations and integration (No. 44 truncated to Maulden rather than Flitwick for rail station). Also No. 2 Bus Cut Bedford-Flitwick.

8.     Any Other Business

9.     Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting: The Albion Pub, Flitwick Road, Ampthill, date to agree for March 2024. Simon to make the booking. 1pm lunch (bring your own) and 2pm business.

Note:

1.     All welcome to any of our events and meetings: https://ertarail.co.uk/events/

2.     The questionnaire leaflet may raise awareness, curry support and increase membership.

3.     We need more active, local volunteers and tiers of government support. Ampthill Town Council are against, but can Flitwick carry the load for the future in a growth and demand context v land-use adequacy? What of emissions and congestion?