Direct link to hospital not reinstated as Stagecoach agrees to reverse 'isolating' changes made to rural bus route into Northampton
A bus operator has agreed to reverse changes made to a rural bus route into Northampton, after it was accused of making "isolating" and "potentially discriminatory" decisions, but the reversal does not include reinstating a direct link to the hospital.
Alterations were made to the 96 bus service run by Stagecoach, which runs through several villages between Rugby and Northampton, from Saturday April 11. This saw some stops cut out in West Haddon at the northern end of the village and along the High Street, as well as the removal of a direct link to Northampton General Hospital.
Councillor Rosie Humphreys, Liberal Democrat councillor for Braunston and Crick, told the LDRS that she had been contacted by numerous elderly and disabled residents who are unable to make the longer journey to the only active bus stop and felt “effectively cut off” as a result of the changes.
“Residents are understandably distraught. Stagecoach has not thought this through,” she said.
Cllr Humphreys claimed that the revised route was put in place without any consultation with the public. She said she had made numerous attempts to raise concerns around the risk of isolation with the operator and asked for an urgent review since the changes were announced.
Stagecoach has now confirmed that it will be reinstating the route after discussions with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) brought the issue to its attention.
A WNC spokesperson said: “Our officers spoke with colleagues at Stagecoach after members highlighted some issues with the revised service.
“We understand that these changes were made to improve the efficiency of this route, but Stagecoach has now agreed to reinstate the former route within West Haddon to serve all stops as previously in light of residents’ concerns.”
Cllr Humphreys added: “While I’m delighted that Stagecoach has seen sense and is reinstating the two vital bus stops in West Haddon it remains unacceptable for the route to no longer serve Northampton Railway Station, Northampton General Hospital (NGH) and St James.
“The village will continue to campaign against these changes which badly impact rural residents who rely on public transport to access services in Northampton.”
Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands, said the usage of the direct link to the hospital had been “very low”.
He told the LDRS: “We understand how important access to healthcare is for the communities we serve, and that’s why a recent extension to serve Northampton General Hospital was introduced with the support of West Northamptonshire Council.
“Following a review, West Northamptonshire Council has worked with us to reallocate that funding to areas of the network where it can deliver greater benefit and improved passenger numbers.
“Customers can still travel to the hospital by changing at Northampton Bus Station onto other frequent services, ensuring the hospital remains accessible while allowing us to strengthen the wider network for more people.”