An extensive overhaul of bus routes and timetables in Cheltenham set for September has sparked concerns about the lack of passenger consultation. Campaigners and passengers alike have voiced frustrations that the public has not been adequately informed or involved in the planning process for these significant changes to the spa town’s transport system.
David Redgewell, a member of the Gloucestershire Bus Improvement Board Passenger Panel, expressed his worries during the recent cabinet meeting at Shire Hall. Highlighting the contrast with previous administrations, he noted that under past leadership, passengers had regular updates and opportunities to engage with proposed changes.
“We knew about the new network under the prior administration,” Redgewell stated on June 18. “Now, I’m hearing about a completely different network, and as the system is no longer deregulated, all changes need approval from the Bus Service Improvement Plan board before operators like Stagecoach or Go-Ahead can use public funds to implement them.”
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Redgewell emphasized the legal obligation under Department for Transport regulations to hold passenger forums, which so far have not taken place. “There’s a massive change coming in September, but we have had no passenger forum, which by law we should have had. I urge that such a forum be established promptly with the operators so passengers can understand and contribute to what Stagecoach, Go-Ahead, and other companies are planning.”
In response, Councillor Roger Whyborn, responsible for sustainable transport and strategic highways, acknowledged the need for improved communication. He explained that the new administration is still settling in and has begun arrangements to set up a passenger forum.
“We are starting the process to create a passenger group and hope to have news on that soon,” said Whyborn. “Regarding the recently announced changes, we only became aware of their scope late last week. They are substantial, and we are prioritizing discussions with the operators to address passenger concerns as quickly as possible.”
Efforts to obtain comment from Stagecoach remain ongoing.