Bus operator Stagecoach East has announced a series of route withdrawals and timetable changes to maintain what it describes as a “viable” public transport network, following a £1 million rise in annual costs due to National Insurance increases.
Among the most significant changes is the decision to hand back the timetabled portion of the No 9 route between Littleport and Cambridge to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), which will now need to find a new operator. This route has been the subject of repeated public concern, with two petitions raised after previous Stagecoach cutbacks. The CPCA already subsidises a separate No 9 service operated by A2B covering the same corridor via Ely and Waterbeach.
School and Rural Services Affected
Several school routes will be axed, including the 604 (Milton–Impington), 606 (Impington–Cambridge), and 607 (Trumpington–Sawston). In addition, two rural routes – the No 31 (Ramsey–Peterborough) and No 33 (March–Peterborough) – will be merged.
A new timetable will also be introduced for the 8A route (Orchard Park–Cambridge City Centre), designed to better reflect current passenger demand. Stagecoach noted that persistent congestion has hampered further growth on this service.
The changes are due to come into effect on Sunday, 31 August.
Public Sector Response
In a statement, Stagecoach said it had been consulting with the Combined Authority since January and remains open to further discussions on how best to meet community transport needs.
A CPCA spokesperson confirmed that Mayor Paul Bristow is seeking a meeting with Stagecoach East to review the planned changes. “The Combined Authority is committed to working constructively with Stagecoach East to ensure the region’s bus network remains sustainable and focused on passengers,” the spokesperson said.
Further details on the route changes are expected to be published in the coming weeks.
