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.