Heidi Allen, MP for South Cambridgeshire today welcomed news of a proposed extension to 'at risk' bus services in the South Cambridgeshire region. Heidi had been pushing for information about the X3 service in particular, in response to concerns raised by constituents about the service’s future from March 2019 onwards. Heidi had been part of the team who prevented the service being scrapped in November 2018 by agreeing a rescue package that funded the service for a further six months. The X3 connects Papworth with Cambridge, providing a vital service for students, workers, families and concessionary bus pass users throughout the day and at weekends.
Heidi welcomed the recent news that bus services across Cambridgeshire will be discussed at Cambridgeshire County Council’s Economy and Environment Committee meeting on 7 February. The County Council and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Combined Authority recognised that whilst CPCA’s bus review continues, it is important that existing bus services are protected.
From April, it is proposed that all Cambridgeshire County Council funded bus services will continue after the County Council and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority agree funding for the next year. The Combined Authority has asked Cambridgeshire County Council to continue providing bus service policy and delivery on its behalf for one more year while opportunities for radical reform of the network are explored.
Heidi said “I’m encouraged by the news that the County Council and Combined Authority recognise that residents need certainty about their bus service whilst new proposals are developed. I hope the Committee will ratify proposals which will safeguard the X3 and other existing services until April 2020, by which time, we should have a clearer picture of the Combined Authority’s vision for rural bus provision. Papworth still desperately needs the X3 and I am working closely with all involved stakeholders to ensure that the village’s voice is heard.”
You can read more about the Council’s proposals here – www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/bus-services-set-to-continue-across-the-county.