B.O.B writes to Hampshire County Council

In February, Howard, a member of Back Our Buses, wrote an email to Councillor Lulu Bowerman, of Hampshire County Council, who was at the time, the Executive Member for Highways and Passenger Transport.

On behalf of the campaign group, and our followers, he wanted to obtain her views on some of the concerns and issues regarding the loss of the 61 bus service and changes to the 69 route.

We felt this would also give us an insight into the Council's thoughts and approach to the situation. She replied to us directly, in March, and below there is an insight into our correspondence.

In his email, Howard made the following point:

Councillor Bowerman responded to this point as follows:

"I understand that passengers are less aware of the connectivity options in Colden Common for the 69 Service, particularly as connections are still possible to Eastleigh, Winchester, and further afield to Fareham and Southampton.  

Passengers can use the 69 Service to connect onto the Bluestar 2 at Fair Oak which will take them to Eastleigh, Eastleigh College and onto Southampton."

Following on from this, Howard raised these points:

Councillor Bowerman's response to this was:

"I am aware that these changes may require passengers to switch to an alternative service to reach St Cross, the rail station and hospital.  

However, there are still frequent and convenient options available from Winchester Bus Station that make this connection easily achievable.  

Furthermore, I appreciate that changing buses can sometimes be inconvenient but concessionary pass holders will still be able to travel for free in Hampshire and throughout England between 09:30 and 23:00, Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays.   "

Howard then raised this important concern, that many residents have mentioned too:

Councillor Bowerman responded with these comments:

"In the case of the 69 Service, approximately 91% of bus services in Hampshire operate on a commercial basis, meaning they are run by private bus companies for profit.

As a result, the County Council has no control over the routes, timetables, or fares. This is the case for the Service 69 between Winchester and Fareham.

While it may have been suggested this was a County Council decision, it was actually a commercial decision made by Stagecoach.

In light of this, I do not consider it appropriate for the County Council to offer a view on the safety matters raised in your correspondence.

Nevertheless, I am confident that Stagecoach will have taken these considerations into account when determining amendments to the route."

We would love to hear your thoughts on these responses- and if there is anything you would like us to raise at further discussions with the Council, do just let us know.