HOPE is in sight for Bishop’s Stortford’s bus users after plans were announced for a community service to replace routes axed by private operators.
In recent years, a number of local buses have been culled because they were no longer turning a profit, including Arriva and Excel Coaches’ 333 and SM Coaches’ SM18. These services linked the centre of Stortford and the Herts and Essex Hospital with outlying suburbs, including Thorley Park and the Havers and Parsonage areas, but the companies said they could not justify the cost of running them.
But Bishop’s Stortford Minibus Trust hopes to roll out a replacement by the start of May.
The organisation has bought a dedicated 15-seater minibus and is now looking to recruit a paid driver. It will be running a scheduled service four days a week on two alternating routes. Although the trust will have to charge users to make ends meet – including those with bus passes – it will be aiming to keep fares as low as possible. A charge of £1.50 is likely.
The project has been funded by Herts County Council, but the service, tentatively dubbed the Stort Bus, will also be looking for businesses sponsorship.
The Stort Bus will serve Havers and Parsonage from 8am to 5.45pm on weekdays except Wednesdays, and will be centred on the Herts and Essex Community Hospital.
Cllr Philip Demonti, chairman of Bishop’s Stortford’s Minibus Trust, said: “I’m very enthusiastic about it; I think these small buses are the transport of the future.”
The trust is looking for feedback. Comments can be sent to john.barfoot@hertscc.gov.uk, or call Cllr Barfoot on (01279) 651901.
