On Friday I met with the Managing Director of Stagecoach to further discuss the unacceptable problems many of you have reported with their bus services.
In particular I raised the many reports of problems with;
Bus No.1 from Alfreton to Mansfield via Westhouses
Bus No. 23 between Mansfield and Langwith
Bus No. 12 between Mansfield and Shirebrook
Bus No. 77 between Worksop and Chesterfield
alongside numerous other services where services have been reduced, routes changed and buses cancelled without notice.
Many constituents are heavily reliant on the bus service to connect them with education and work and any cancelled journeys have a major detrimental impact. I also raised the lack of up to date information, particularly in places such as Westhouses where they do not yet have the digital signage installed - which isn't helped by often incorrect information being provided by their customer services helpline.
Stagecoach's primary reason given for the excessive cancellations is staff shortages and they are currently training many new drivers, and advertising for more. I'm told they are working flat out to resolve the issues, they recognise it is not acceptable to continue like this, and we have agreed to meet again in coming months to discuss progress.
I understand there are many other places which have difficulty accessing bus services, particularly Hilcote in the south of the constituency, and I am actively looking for a solution.
