Letter: Why Not Try the Bus?

Published on: 6 Aug, 2023
Updated on: 6 Aug, 2023

From: Mark Worley

chair North West Surrey Bus Users Group

I often read ill-informed comments about the poor state of Guildford’s bus service.

It is true that Park & Ride services are still disappointingly much reduced compared to pre-Covid times and that there was a period, a while ago, when driver shortages were causing cancellations but the current picture is actually quite rosy and I would like to draw readers attention to some of the good bus news.

First, the government-sponsored £2 single fare cap goes on until October this year when it goes up to £2.50 and continues for another year. This offers particularly good value for longer journeys.

Most bus operators participate in this scheme. One exception is Safeguard but their maximum fare is only £2.50 anyway so from October their non-participation will be irrelevant.

Second, Surrey County Council has recently introduced a half-fare scheme for young people called ‘Link’: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/community/surrey-matters/magazine/families-and-young-people/half-price-bus-fares-for-under-20s-insurrey

Third, having recently increased evening and Sunday frequencies on service 20 to Aldershot, from September 3, Stagecoach is improving the frequency of services 2 (Stoughton), 6 (Merrow Park), 7 (Bushy Hill) and 34 (Camberley via Woking): https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/buses-and-other-transport/bus-timetable-changes/forthcoming-changes

Given all this positive news I urge readers to give the bus a try. Every car journey switched to bus will help to alleviate Guildford’s chronic congestion as well as combatting poor air quality and climate change.

Responses to Letter: Why Not Try the Bus?

Jim Allen Reply

August 6, 2023 at 3:47 pm

Well in the reverse, target destinations of 300 Burpham residents 50 locations. None central Guildford. The
nearest bus stop now out of use, and no buses on Sunday,
Buses not going where residents going, Two travelling together cheaper by car!
Coming to Guildford from Cranleigh to catch the train ether Yvone Arnold or bus station. But not the train station.

My point the routes of buses need to be surveyed for Departure and destination points with all residents,
They need to be cheaper more convenient than the car with making the car more expensive!
For people like me, getting soaked walking to a bus stop 10..15 minutes away not going to my destination, when I have a fully fueled up car going to my destination. With the ability to have any goods I buy not being physically carried by me. Will always come first!
Fred Ben Reply

January 27, 2024 at 3:50 pm

I use the Park and Ride at Guildford and invariably walk – I know this isn’t the way it is designed, but often waiting over half an hour for a bus – might as well walk rather than stand in the cold.