Bus services set to be cut

HERTS County Council (HCC) has warned residents of Royston to expect “large changes” to bus services.

The frequency of some routes is expected to be cut, while some services could be axed completely as the authority looks to make cut backs.

Stuart Pile, HCC executive member for highways and transport, said they are doing all they can to protect well-used services

“In these tough financial times, at HCC we’re doing all we can to protect the vast majority of our bus network.

“As we announced after the Highways and Transport Panel last November, following a decrease in funding there are going to be some service reductions, but we have concentrated these on those services that are not used very much or, where possible, can be covered by other buses.”

Cllr Pile also said that bus operators were to take over services that could no longer be funded by HCC.

“I’m pleased to announce that some services that the county or districts no longer have the resources to support are being taken over by operators without the need for any funding from councils.

“In some cases there are increases to the frequency and extended hours of operation for well-used services.”

“In addition to these changes, many of the contracts relating to county council funded services were due for renewal so there are going to be a large number of timetable changes.

“If you regularly use one of our bus services, we strongly encourage you to check the new timetable details.”

Changes will come into force from March 27. Bus users should check www.hertsdirect.org/passengertransport, or pick up Intachange Magazine from mid-March from libraries, tourist information offices or council offices.