A new survey has highlighted how essential bus services are to residents in St Neots, with more than two-thirds of passengers saying they rely on them as their only means of transport.
The poll, conducted by the Cambridgeshire Sustainable Travel Alliance on 12 September at Market Square, questioned more than 50 passengers about their travel habits and views on local services.
Results showed that 68% of those surveyed would have been unable to travel at all if no buses had been running that day, while over three-quarters said they did not own or have access to a car. Almost four in five respondents reported using the bus at least once a week.
Those interviewed included a wide mix of passengers, from young people heading to school or college, to older residents and parents with children travelling for shopping, social visits, work, and medical appointments.
Affordability a key factor
Among the most common reasons given for using buses was affordability. Several passengers praised the Combined Authority’s Tiger Pass, which offers £1 fares for under-25s. One young passenger explained: “The Tiger Pass takes travel down from about £100 a month to £32. I have more money for bills and to go out with my mates.” Another said: “I love the Tiger Pass. It’s very, very cheap. [It means] I can travel more.”
Other benefits highlighted included convenience and accessibility. Passengers said bus stops were located close to key destinations such as shops, and many commented that even with access to a car they would sometimes choose the bus for ease of travel. Some also pointed out environmental benefits and praised the friendliness of drivers.
Reliability remains a concern
Despite positive comments, the survey found reliability to be a major issue. Almost half of passengers said services were often late or cancelled without notice. Several pointed to disruption caused by ongoing A428 roadworks, while others expressed frustration at a lack of real-time updates at bus stops.
One passenger said: “I’m so used to them being late that I now leave an hour early. It’s better to be early than late.” Another added: “Too often they are late. Today I’ll miss my hospital appointment. They just don’t give you any warning when they are cancelled.”
Wider regional picture
The survey is part of a wider project to gather views from bus users across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, with previous studies carried out in Cambridge, Ely, and Huntingdon. Taken together, results suggest that nearly three in five passengers across the region are entirely reliant on bus services.
Sarah Hughes, Campaign Officer at the Cambridgeshire Sustainable Travel Alliance, said: “It’s crucial we recognise the depth of dependence on the bus in our region. Our survey suggests that when services are cut, nearly three in five people could be left unable to make their journeys as they simply have no alternative.”
Richard Wood, Secretary of Cambridge Area Bus Users, added: “Reliable, affordable, and accessible public transport is essential to prevent rural isolation. Our growing region deserves high quality bus services.”
