Whippet, who claim to provide a “friendly reliable bus services across Cambridgeshire” has taken the shine off a pledge by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson to double bus usage by 2030.
Mayor Johnson said today: “Better bus services across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are vital to the future of our region.
“As Mayor, it’s clear to me that the status quo is not an option, and that as a Combined Authority we’re best placed to lead on much-needed change.”
Due to operational issues we are unable to operate the 12:55 18 Cambridge to St Neots service.
We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 22, 2023
However, his words had a hollow feel across parts of the county as Whippet once again took to Twitter to announce cancellations.
The following journeys won't be running today due to a vehicle issue – we're sorry for the inconvenience this will cause.
– 0940 Huntingdon to Cambridge X2
– 1003 Fenstanton to St Neots 66All other buses are running.
— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 22, 2023
‘Operational issues’ ‘a vehicle issue’ and ‘last minute driver sickness’ have been stated by Whippet for some recent cancellations.
https://twitter.com/GoWhippet/status/1693550080987394237
Providing a reliable bus network for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a main plank of Dr Johnson’s campaign.
Due to operational issues the following services won't operate
1112 66 Godmanchester to Hinchingbrooke
1120 66 St Neots to Huntingdon
1132 66 Hinchingbrooke to Godmanchester
1212 66 Godmanchester to Hinchingbrooke
1232 66 Hinchingbrooke to FenstantonSorry for the inconvenience
— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 21, 2023
“Our ambitions are not modest, and nor should they be,” he said.
https://twitter.com/GoWhippet/status/1693540057406152770
“Through our network improvements, we want travelling by bus to become second nature for residents, with the aim of doubling usage region-wide by 2030.
https://twitter.com/GoWhippet/status/1693462441781334295
“To do this we first need to make services more convenient, more frequent, more reliable, and more affordable, and are hard at work on ways of delivering what I see as being essential, invaluable, and long overdue reform.
“Whilst there are very appealing options available to us offering vastly more control over local services, it’s important to stress that there are no silver bullets when it comes to improving the bus network.
“That said, my view is that there’s a clear route ahead of us, with the Combined Authority now taking the necessary steps to find out whether ‘franchising’ or an ‘enhanced partnership’ can get us to a place where, as a region, as residents, and as an economy, we have the high-quality bus services we need, want, and deserve.”
Service Update 20/08/2023
The following services will not operate
10:10 X3 Hunts – Cambs
11:35 X3 Cambs – Hunts
14:10 X3 Hunts – Cambs
15:35 X3 Cambs – Hunts
17:50 X3 Hunts – Cambs
19:20 X3 Cambs – Hunts
Sorry for any inconvenience caused— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 20, 2023
The Mayor added: “As for next steps, we anticipate having completed the required preparations, including an independent audit of what’s known as the ‘Outline Business Case’, in time to launch what promises to be a major public consultation early in the New Year.
https://twitter.com/GoWhippet/status/1693120173035634708
“In the meantime, I’ll continue to champion the better future I believe is possible and am determined as Mayor of our Combined Authority to stay the course in seeing it made real.”
