By Abigail Nicholson
Copyright cambridge-news
A boss at Stagecoach has voiced his ‘extreme disappointment’ over the short notice they were given to prepare for works on the Busway. The speed limit along the Cambridgeshire guided busway will be reduced to 30mph and 20mph at crossing points from Monday, October 6.
A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said this will be “temporary until permanent fencing and barriers have been installed across the whole guided busway”. This is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, confirmed the safety improvements were ‘important’ but voiced his ‘extreme disappointment’ over the short notice the team were given to prepare for the changes.
He said: “At Stagecoach, our highest priority is safety, so we are very aware of the importance of making safety improvements – the simple fact is that there is no option: this work needs to be done.
“However, the short notice that has been given to prepare for such significant changes is extremely disappointing, and we apologise to our loyal Busway customers that this will inevitably lead to delays and longer journey times for the period of the work. There is likely to be significant disruption as a result of these speed reductions – delays may up to a minimum of 45 minutes.”
He continued: “We are doing all we can to provide extra staff on the network, to keep customers updated – our team are working extra hours, we are bringing in more people and extra buses, and our team will be working through the nights to prepare buses; everything to maintain frequency, support the timetable, and help our customers.
“We would urge customers to ensure they allow extra time for your journey, and to use the Stagecoach App, to keep updated on service information, plan your journey, buy before you board, and track your bus.”
A spokesperson from Cambridgeshire County Council said: “The speed limit reduction will enable potential risks we have identified with pedestrians crossing to be further reduced, in advance of installing new safety fencing and signage. The bus operators have been engaged on the new temporary speed limit and are working hard to maintain a reliable service.
“People should prepare their journeys accordingly and allow extra time. At the same time, a 15mph speed limit will be introduced on the maintenance track, the path which runs alongside the busway.
“Motorcycles will also be banned from the maintenance track and electric bikes that exceed 15mph will no longer be allowed. These restrictions are being implemented in partnership with the police.
“We’d like to remind people they must not trespass on the busway, and they must keep to the maintenance track or formal crossing points for their own safety.” In June, the county council’s highways and transport committee agreed to further safety improvements along the guided busway.
