Safeguard’s New Bellfields Service And Launch Of Stagecoach’s Electric Buses On Park & Ride Route

Published on: 8 Jan, 2019
Updated on: 8 Jan, 2019

Safeguard has begun its new service running buses between Bellfields and Guildford town centre.

Safeguard is now operating its number 3s service to and from Bellfields to Guildford town centre.

Its number 3s service started yesterday (Monday) and will run approximately every 20 minutes, Monday to Saturday inclusive from Hazel Avenue to Guildford bus station via Stoke Road and Guildford College.

Andrew Halliday, managing director at Safeguard, said: “Bellfields residents have been asking us to provide a bus service into Guildford town centre for a long time, based on our reputation for reliability established over more than 90 years.

“Having recently moved our operation to a new depot at Jacobs Well, it made sense for us to capitalise on our proximity to Bellfields and to offer special fares to the hospital using our 4 and 5 service.

“As well as providing a more frequent and reliable service than currently available, we will offer great value fares, regular drivers, clean vehicles and contactless payment. With the 3s service we believe that people will realise the benefit of leaving their cars at home, saving on car park charges and being dropped off right into the centre of town or at the hospital entrance.”

As part of the new service offering, Safeguard is introducing a range of fares: Reduced price adult through fares to Royal Surrey Country Hospital using its 4 and 5 service (changing at Friary bus station); senior citizens will have access to low fares prior to 9.30am when their passes become valid; Adults will enjoy reduced fares after 3pm; Young adult fares will be available for 17- to 24-year-olds and child fares will cover from five to 16 years of age.

Stagecoach’s new fleet of electric buses on Guildford’s park and ride routes. Picture: Alexander Dennis.

Monday also saw the launch of Stagecoach’s nine electric buses connecting Guildford’s three park and ride sites and the Spectrum leisure centre with the town centre, operating six days a week, with service frequencies of between 10 and 15 minutes.

The buses have been supplied by Guildford’s vehicle builder Alexander Dennis and its partner firm BYD Europe, together with the charging equipment for them.