APPENDIX 3B Bedwyn area bus service proposals - summary of main points raised in responses to consultation

Issues identified supporting evidence / additional comments who comment made by response

Comments about specific journeys that are unable or more difficult to make To and from activities in Marlborough after 1636 from Bedwyn is too late, and 1733 return from Marlborough far too early. Later buses (and Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms K revised proposal adds a bus from Bedwyn to school hours Saturday buses) popular with growing number of teenagers for after school and social activities Nicholson (Bedwyn); Ms M Marlborough at 1553, and reinstates later Burden (Bedwyn); 3 survey departures from Marlborough at 1838 and respondents (Bedwyn) 1923 (in addition to the 1535, 1640 and Should be departures from Marlborough at 1620, 1730, 1830 for after school clubs BTPG (based on local 1733) on an experimental use it or lose it consultation) basis St Johns pupils often use later buses from Marlborough - if can't retain later buses, last bus should be Survey respondent (Grafton) delayed to nearer 1800 Needs to be a bus from Bedwyn to Marlborough for primary school childrens' after school activities BTPG (based on local (e.g. swimming pool) consultation); Ms M Burden (Bedwyn) To and from Marlborough and Swindon for 1830 Marlborough - Bedwyn needs to be retained for people who work in Swindon. Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms K revised proposal reinstates 1838 departure work and college Nicholson (Bedwyn); 1 survey (on an experimental basis) respondent (Bedwyn) Buses in and out should connect with Swindon buses for work and education. Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms K Still provided by the revised proposal by Nicholson (Bedwyn) changing buses in Marlborough, giving an Needs to be suitable buses for teenagers attending college in Swindon; the same buses would cater for BTPG (based on local arrival in Swindon by 0830 and connections people working in Swindon and Marlborough. Preferably would run direct to Swindon; if not must be consultation) with buses departing Swindon at 1640, 1740 good connection times. and 1840 (the latter two on an experimental use it or lose it basis)

0810 arrival in Marlborough is marked as a school bus and is not suitable for commuters, so will be no Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms K this will be a public bus and serve the town bus for workers in Marlborough or Swindon Nicholson (Bedwyn) centre as well as the school as at present

Early morning buses reduced to only one suitable for work / school 1 survey response (Bedwyn) there are still two work / school time buses, arriving in Marlborough at 0739 and 0807, both of which connect with buses to Swindon Last bus from Marlborough at 1733 is too early for 5.30 work finish Survey respondents (1 Grafton, 1 revised proposal reinstates 1838 departure Shalbourne - gets lift from (on an experimental basis) which runs via Bedwyn) Bedwyn and Grafton Ability to make connections to Swindon GW Need a later evening return from Marlborough so could attend appointments at GWH (with proposed Ms M Burden (Bedwyn); 1 survey revised proposal reinstates 1838 and 1923 Hospital timetable would only be able to attend between 1000 - 1500) respondent (Bedwyn) return buses from Marlborough to Bedwyn, Only means of transport to GWH, any reduction is nuts Survey respondent (Shalbourne) on an experimental basis (these connect with buses departing Swindon at 1740 and Ability to make connections to Devizes, Already difficult to get to Devizes (for hospital) but would be even more difficult with proposed Ms M Burden (Bedwyn) 1840) Pewsey timetable. And should be a bus to Pewsey and / or Devizes Campuses for adult learning Better connections with buses to Swindon Majority of buses should connect at Marlborough with buses to / from Swindon BTPG (based on local Buses run approximatley every 30 minutes consultation) from Marlborough to Swindon, so connecting passengers should never need to wait longer than this Service from Savernake Hospital into Hardship for people and patients using Savernake Hospital, and residents of Forest Hill, if buses do not Savernake Parish Council; Great in the revised proposal the 0959, 1125 and Marlborough call into the Hospital entrance on the way into Marlborough (currently proposed as 'only if required by Western Hospitals NHS 1254 arrivals in Marlborough will divert into passengers on the bus') - would involve a long walk up a steep hill to the A4 bus stop. Numbers of Foundation Trust the Hospital grounds, as will all buses patients and visitors to the hospital are increasing - more beds and outpatient clinics now. Volunteers passing on their way out of Marlborough. in Hospital shop use the bus to Marlborough. Forest Hill has many children and elderly residents. Other inbound buses will divert into the Service 70 is less frequent and not an adequate substitute. Buses towards Marlborough do not have to hospital grounds if requested by a passenger cross traffic to pull in, so little time taken. Parish Council assured that buses would call in when hospital on board, but will always call at the bus stop rebuilt and Green Travel Plan established in 2004/5 outside the hospital on the A4.

Offpeak service into Marlborough Loss of later afternoon bus from Marlborough to Froxfield means can not catch connections to places Mrs Rainey (Froxfield) in the revised proposal the 1640 from like Salisbury Marlborough / 1715 from Hungerford will Loss of late afternoon bus from Marlborough to Froxfield; for weekly medical appointments (1 3 survey respondents (Froxfield) continue to Froxfield if requested by respondent); surgeons, clinics or dental appointments (1 respondent); part time work (irespondent); passengers on board shopping (2 respondents); appointments or travel outside the area (1 respondent)

No late bus from Marlborough to Hungerford so unable to return home at 6pm (eg for day trips) Survey respondent (Hungerford)

Shopping time in Marlborough for passengers from Hungerford is too short (currently catch 1025 in / 2 survey respondents the revised proposal includes arrivals in 1230 return, so can visit more shops) (Hungerford) Marlborough from Hungerford at 0959, 1125 and 1254, with returns at 1130, 1410, 1538 and 1640 less flexibility due to reduced number of journeys Survey respondent (Hungerford)

Option A does not allow morning travel from Marlborough to Bedwyn or Grafton (currently uses C2W Survey respondent (Calne) the revised proposal includes a journey from from Calne to Marlborough, then 1015 or 1105 Marlborough to Bedwyn or Grafton) Marlborough to Grafton at 1102 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Saturday service (not specified in options A Following buses are popular with teenagers travelling to/from Marlborough, also to visit friends in BTPG (based on local there will still be Saturday journeys from and B) other villages; 0927 ex Bedwyn; 1335, 1510, 1615, 1715 returns consultation) Bedwyn at 0942 (and 1102, 1237 and 1343), and returns from Marlborough at 1135, 1257, 1410, 1625, 1715 and 1815

To Marlborough St Johns school for non- Are already approx 30 children using the bus from Hungerford, and expect this to increase. Strongly Marlborough St Johns school; 2 the revised proposal includes suitable entitled parental choice pupils from objects to any proposal that removes transport for children who have already started at St Johns (on survey respondents (Hungerford) transport for the school children travelling Hungerford the basis of there being an existing bus service) - this could force them to change schools part way from Hungerford through course and disrupt their education Bedwyn Common Very limited options for travel into Marlborough (no bus between 0753 - 1136), or to Bedwyn trains Survey respondent (Bedwyn the revised proposals include buses into (first bus 1003). Will restrict ability of her teenagers to get weekend jobs Common) Marlborough from Bedwyn Common arriving at 0739, 0807, 0924, 0959 and 1125, and to Hungerford (for possible train connections) arriving at 0723 and 0917 Ham to Great Bedwyn surgery Buses from Ham cut from 6 to 2, so will have to rely more on lifts Ham Parish Council in the revised proposals there are three buses from Ham to Bedwyn and five back, giving a wider range of journey options

Peak service into Hungerford Uses bus 5 days / week to get to work in Hungerdford for 0830 Survey respondent (Shalbourne) unfortunately it has not been possible to restore this journey, which was poorly used

Offpeak service into Hungerford Less convenient service from Froxfield - although still have 0900 in / 1032 return, lose the option of a Mrs Rainey (Froxfield) unfortunately it has not been possible to 'quick shop' with the 0945 return. 1207 in / 1443 return gives too long in town to be useful. provide a shorter stay in the revised proposal, although an 0912 / 1050 return remains 4 pub staff at Ham (without cars) rely on buses to get to/from work. Use 1045, 1300 or 1440 buses Ham Parish Council in the revised proposals there will still be most days, and would also like Saturday afternoon return bus buses from Ham towards Hungerford at 1034, 1204 and 1439. All will run on Saturdays as well as weekdays. Marlborough resident - only option B allows her to visit sister in Froxfield nursing home (needs an hour Survey respondent the revised proposal includes a 1057 arrival there, arriving no earlier than 1100). A vital lifeline for her. (Marlborough) in Froxfield (from Marlborough and Shalbourne resident - uses bus regularly to visit brother in Froxfield (changing at Bedwyn) Survey respondent (Shalbourne) Shalbourne) but unfortunately it has not been possible to provide a return bus at 1200 Shalbourne resident - would like better train connections into trains at Bedwyn (daytime travel with Survey respondent (Shalbourne) unfortunately it has not been possible to friend) provide better connections from Shalbourne in the revised proposal as the bus is meeting other needs Ham to Newbury (via Hungerford) Is one OAP who travels every Thursday from Ham to Newbury, changing bus at Hungerford - so need to Ham Parish Council Unfortunately it has not been possible to maintain these connections maintain a connection in both directions with the bus to Newbury Hungerford to Priory Estate Is there scope to extend any journeys to Priory Estate in Hungerford, in response to requests from West Berkshire Council the revised proposals include buses from residents Priory Estate at 1043 and 1453 (towards Hungerford) and 0919 and 1214 (towards Marlborough)

Comments about specific journeys that CAN still be made with Options A and B Offpeak service into Marlborough A number of retired and non-driving Bedwyn residents depend on buses to Marlborough. Typically BTPG (based on local still provided by the revised proposal they could cope with a 2 hourly service between 0930 - 1530 consultation) Offpeak service into Hungerford Need is for a morning bus from Bedwyn, and a return giving at least 70 minutes in town BTPG (based on local still provided by the revised proposal consultation) Connection to 1332/1330 HST trains Currently a 'missed opportunity', but covered by both options A & B BTPG (based on local still provided by the revised proposal consultation) Hungerford to Marlborough West Berkshire Council want a good end to end service allowing for employment, shopping, leisure, West Berkshire Council still provided by the revised proposal education, medical opportunities in either town. Given the one bus constraint, the proposals offer a good range of journeys between the towns - but any reductions in service will not be well received by users Later last bus from Marlborough to Hungerford (1655) is better for St Johns pupils staying for after Survey respondents (Hungerford) last bus now retimed to 1640 in revised school activities (1 respondent); and for a passenger who goes to Marlborough in the mid-afternoon (1 proposal respondent) (BUT other respondents point to loss of flexbility and convenience if service is reduced) Comments about connections with trains Journeys connecting with later trains from Should be buses to connect with the 1831 and 1942 arrivals Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; BTPG the revised proposal includes connections London and Newbury (based on local consultation); Ms with the (retimed) 1846 and 1935 arrivals, K Nicholson (Bedwyn); 5 survey on an experimental basis respondents (Marlborough)

Should retain buses from Marlborough to connect with early evening trains back to Newbury Survey respondent (Newbury) the revised proposal includes connections with the 1755, 1903 and 1955 trains to Newbury Should be bus to connect with 1538 arrival 2 survey respondents the revised proposal includes a 1553 bus to (Marlborough) Marlborough Better morning train connections 0716 Marlborough - Hungerford needs to be earlier to connect with the 0734 departure (not workable Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; BTPG the revised proposal retimes this bus to given journey time and possible delays) (based on local consultation); Ms arrive 10 minutes earlier K Nicholson (Bedwyn); 2 survey respondents (Marlborough)

Should be buses to arrive at Bedwyn at 0640 and 0834 BTPG (based on local to provide connections at these times would consultation) require additional vehicles and the cost would be unaffordable Earliest train connection on which could use cheap day return / day travelcard would be 1038 ex Lady Clare Napier (Marlborough) to provide a connection with the 0841 train Bedwyn. Could there be a connection to the 0936 or 0841 trains? would require an additional vehicle and Should be a connection with 0841 (5 requests) and 0936 trains (5 requests) Survey respondents would be unaffordable. The 0855 (Marlborough) bus from Marlborough provides a connection into the 0941 train departure from Hungerford Should be a connection with 1036, 1136, 1331 trains (1 request for each) Survey respondents the proposals include connections into the (Marlborough) 1038 and 1332 departures from Bedwyn, and the 1138 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Connections to / from Burbage want a service from Burbage to connect with train mid-morning, and a return in the afternoon (one 2 survey respondents (Burbage) the revised proposal includes a connection says uses it to go shopping in Newbury) from Burbage with the 1138 train on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and return connections from the 1329 and 1531 arrivals No bus from Burbage to meet early morning trains to London. Almost all buses should go via Burbage Survey respondent (Burbage) unfortunately it is not possible to meet these as are no passengers from A4 route - but should still serve Savernake Hospital requests without making the timetable less suitable for other users

Comments about general issues Proposed service reduction is too great Current service provides a vital link for the people of Gt Bedwyn and surrounding towns and villages. Petition of 435 signatories The council recognises that reducing the Oppose proposed cuts as they are too severe and will result in decrease in use and a decrease in frequency of the service will inevitably make accessibility it less convenient and attractive to users, 50% reduction in service is too great - will leave Gt Bedwyn with a largely unworkable and Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms K and will have an impact on people's ability to unmemorable service. This will lead to lower use and further cuts. Opposed to both options A and B Nicholson (Bedwyn) travel. Unfortunately the service is expensive to provide in comparison with the use made Reduction of service to Hungerford from 11 buses each way to only 6 will lose passengers, and will Hungerford Town Council of it, and at a time of financial constraint the undermine government objective of encouraging car owners to use public transport current level of subsidy can no longer be justified. The Bedwyn service proposals Reduced service with further reduce use, as it will be even less convenient. The idea that the bus Ham Parish Council should not be seen in isolation, but as part of service will serve the whole community and help reducing carbon emissions has been abandoned. Bus an ongoing review of services across the remains essential to provide adequate standard of living for those without transport. 75% service county that are relatively poorly used. Every reduction, and only one daily bus to Hungerford, is unacceptable. effort has been taken in designing the proposed timetable to minimise the impact Grossly unfair that are seeking a third of total savings from Bedwyn service - should make less dramatic Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms K on existing users, and significant changes cuts spread across whole county Nicholson (Bedwyn); 2 survey have been made to the original proposals in respondents response to some of the specific concerns Bus services should be improved not worsened, to provide sound public transport infrastructure Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms K raised by the consultation. needed to ensure equal access, serve station which is an important rail hub for Marlborough and Nicholson (Bedwyn); 2 survey surrounding area and reduce car parking issues in Bedwyn respondents Will isolate rural communities and remove lifeline for elderly; deny them access to shops with more A Gault, Burbage competitive prices. Why not reduce subsidised town service instead (or get rid of overpaid Council executives) Although not well used, buses are a lifeline to elderly people without transport, especially in villages Mrs Rainey (Froxfield); Ham with no shop or other facilities Parish Council Moved to Bedwyn as did not have a car and relies on bus to get to and from Marlborough. Proposals Ms K Nicholson (Bedwyn) reduce opportunities to use bus for work, after school activities, young peoples social activities, and will reduce access for vulnerable, isolated, elderly and teenagers. Need a reliable hourly service to give users flexibility and convenient access and to allow to make connections to other services.

Does not own a car and family relies on public transport. Less frequent service will make it difficult to Ms M Burden (Bedwyn) maintain independence by travelling to a variety of activities, both in Marlborough and Hungerford and in other towns (also uses bus to travel to Swindon, GW Hospital, Devizes)

Reducing service will increase cars on road and parking problem in Bedwyn Ms M Burden (Bedwyn) Important to keep bus services / my family (or I) rely on buses as have no other transport / important Survey respondents for teenage independence / essential for shopping / meeting friends and visiting relatives and relieving isolation / older people giving up cars because of petrol prices / should be encouraging people not to use cars / some villages have no shop or other facilities / access to surgeries / need access to larger towns for competitively priced clothing etc.

Should be promoting not reducing rail link Local Transport Plan policy is to treat bus links to rail stations as strategic network services where they BTPG At a time when services are having to be service provide access to the rail network for towns and larger villages that do not have a rail station reduced due to funding constraints, the policy aspirations of promoting bus / rail concerned that proposals do not meet needs of rail passengers First Great Western interchange need to be balanced against the use of rail link is depressed because of current poor connections Travelwatch SW use that is actually made of the service. The use of the service by rail link passengers is, and always has been, poor, and their needs should not take priority over those of the much larger number of passengers who use it for other reasons. The revised proposal does however make some improvements to rail connections, including reinstating (on an experimental use it or lose it basis) evening buses from Bedwyn at 1855 and 1950.

Irregular service headway makes it Almost every bus runs at a different time past the hour, so impossible to use without a timetable or Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms K Accepted, but to run a clockface timetable unattractive and unmemorable detailed knowledge Nicholson (Bedwyn) that meets the needs of all of the different communities that are served is not possible within the resources available. We will seek the help of local communities in providing tailored local information for users.

Fares are too high Too expensive for families; not competitive with car Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; Ms M The fares on this service are set by the Burden (Bedwyn); survey council and are already lower than those on respondent commercially operated routes in the area. Too expensive, puts people off. If lower fares would be used more. BTPG (based on local Experience shows that while cutting fares consultation) increases use, it does not generate enough Bus fares for teenagers are expensive Survey respondent additional passengers to offset the loss of revenue. Needs to be help for people with dementia BTPG If specific details are provided we will who rely on the bus - change of route will be contact the local Good Neighbour a struggle for them Coordinator or Parish Council Buses should be wheelchair accessible Uses service 20/22 instead of 80 because can't be sure that 80 will be accessible Survey respondent (Burbage) noted Long walk to bus stop deters use (Ham) One of reasons why bus is little used from Ham is the long walk to the bus stop (half a mile for most Ham Parish Council The bus currently turns round at Church residents), and lack of shelter there and at return stop in town. So many rely on lifts instead. Road telephone box as this is the safest location in the village. We are willing to change this if a more suitable point can be identified.

Alternative suggestions Promote the service to increase passengers Campaign to maintain rail service in 2006 led to marked increase due to publicity, and ongoing Gt Bedwyn Parish Council The help of local groups to promote the and income commitment by BTPG to distribute timetables to villagers in local area. Threat of service reductions service is very much welcomed. However, may also lead to increase in use, as with 2006 rail campaign income from fares covers a relatively small proportion of costs (compared with the funding for free school travel and council subsidy) and so promoting the service to increase passengers would not be enough on its own to avoid the need for cost reductions

Reduce cost of fares to make it more Take a more radical approach to pricing - too expensive for families to travel by bus; should be priced Gt Bedwyn Parish Council Fares on the Bedwyn service are already attractive to be competitive compared to car. lower than those charged on commercial bus Increase in OAP travel due to free travel is an indicator of how could attract people from cars (even if Gt Bedwyn Parish Council services in the area. Experience elsewhere of reduced fare, not free) reducing fares (including for OAP travel) is that although the number of passengers increases, this is rarely sufficient to offset the loss of income, let alone increase the total income earned

Make a charge for free pass holders To pay for keeping the service running Survey respondent It is against the law for a local bus service operator to make a charge for free bus pass holders Use smaller buses to reduce operating costs Smaller bus, or Wigglybus, or Dial a Ride suggested 2 survey respondents A full size bus is required for the morning and afternoon school journeys, and it costs less to keep this running during the day than to bring in a smaller vehicle

Package of better connections, increased Implement BTPG's suggested improvements to connections; BTPG and Transition Marlborough will BTPG; Ms K Nicholson (Bedwyn); The revised proposal includes improvements promotion and review of pricing to improve undertake regular household circulation of timetable leaflets; Council should do research to ascertain First Great Western to rail connections, and assistance in viability what is ideal fare to give maximum income. First Great Western have also offered to assist BTPG and promoting use of the service locally will be TM in promoting the service if continues to provide train connections. welcomed. See above for response to lower fares. ALTERNATIVE TIMETABLE If service has to be reduced, propose a timetable using 1 bus and 2 drivers that provides better rail BTPG the revised proposal meets most of the connections, later evening journeys and continues to meet the needs of local residents for education, service requirements identified as necessary work and shopping etc. by BTPG BTPG proposal supported by Transition Marlborough, First Great Western and Cllr Fogg, and 'received favourably' by Marlborough Town Council If it is provided by a Devizes-based operator, extend the service to provide journeys from Devizes (0705 BTPG Marlborough - Bedwyn to start at Devizes at 06xx, final bus leaves Bedwyn 1942, then after Marlborough continues to Devizes at 20xx, plus journey to swap drivers extended to / from Devizes during day. Would give rail link connections from Devizes, and provide a fledgling Marlborough - Devizes service. ALTERNATIVE TIMETABLE Proposed timetable (using 2 buses) that provides hourly service, which "fulfils school bus JM Pitt (Burbage) the proposal uses two buses for the whole of requirements, fits in with service 80, provides proper service to Bedwyn station including from villages" the day and would increase rather than reduce operating costs ALTERNATIVE TIMETABLE Proposed timetable (using 1 bus and 1 driver), prepared by local TWSW members and other bus users Travelwatch South West the option of using C2W to provide a service in the communities served. Focuses on maximising service between 0930 - 1330 (when best used); to Burbage, Wilton and he Graftons has maximising journeys between Marlborough, Bedwyn and Hungerford; ensuring good train connections been considered. However, due to to / from Newbury an London; providing clockface timings where possible. But entirely withdraws circumstances it has proved possible to bring service from Burbage, Wilton & Graftons (suggests alternative provision by C2W or community bus), in some additional resource to improve the and reduces service to Ham and Shalbourne "to meet identified customer demand". Also suggest timetable in the mornings and evenings (on provide 1851 and 1940 departures from Bedwyn using C2W or community bus, on an experimental an experimental basis) without withdrawing 'use it or lose it' basis. the Burbage section of route

Run a (reduced frequency) clockface If service has to be reduced, regular 2 hourly clockface timetable would be preferable. But should start Gt Bedwyn Parish Council Because the service is meeting the needs of timetable to make it more memorable (but earlier (first arrival at Bedwyn from Marlborough 0640), and finish later (last departure from Bedwyn so many different groups of users, it is with earlier start and later finish - see below) at 1942) unfortunately not possible to design a regular clockface timetable that meets the needs of people living in all of the areas served Use one bus and 2 drivers to allow earlier Service should start earlier (first arrival at Bedwyn from Marlborough 0640), and finish later (last Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; BTPG By taking advantage of the new opportunity start and later finish departure from Bedwyn at 1942) to integrate with another contract it ahs been possible to provide a later finish (last departure from Bedwyn at 1950), but not to provide a connection with the earlier morning trains

Use other buses in the area to provide earlier Either divert 0545 Swindon - Ludgershall and 1743 and 1843 from Ludgershall via Bedwyn, or extend BTPG The Ludgershall journeys are operated by / later journeys Connect 2 Wiltshire Night Bus double deck vehicles not suitable for use on some of the roads they would have to use. Another way has been found of providing the evening journeys on an experimental 'use it or lose it' basis

Run 0810 arrival in Marlborough via Wilton / to allow students from the villages to attend college in Swindon BTPG Most college students need to arrive in Graftons Swinodn well before 9am. The first journey in the morning already enables them to do this, the 0810 arrival in Marlborough would not. Improved rail / bus connections BTPG make several suggestions for improving connections in their 'Issue 2' response (pages 3-4) BTPG Noted. Attention has been given in the revised proposal to improving the train Should be 7 minute connections if are to be any use as a rail link service. Buses should be able to wait Gt Bedwyn Parish Council; BTPG connections as far as is possible without for delayed trains (especially if service reduced). (based on local consultation); Ms making the service less useful for the K Nicholson (Bedwyn) majority of local (non-rail) users.

Should be at least 10 minute connections to make sure don't miss train even if are delays 1 survey respondent (Bedwyn)

Would use it more if connections were better (not too short or long), and if bus could wait for late Virginia Reekie, Lady Clare trains Napier; Mrs BJ Nicholson (Marlborough); Travelwatch SW User from Ham wants connection to the 1041 train to London restored (bus now arrives just as train Ham Parish Council departs)