Lib Dems' fury over guided bus admission

9.12.00am GMT Mon 5th Jan 2009

Councillor Kevin Wilkins - furious over guided bus admission

Cambridge Liberal Democrats are furious after county council officials admitted that the new guided bus will not stop on the city's Milton Road or Histon Road.

No bus stops are being planned for the two roads in order to allow the bus to provide a "fast, reliable service with only limited stops" for passengers living along the A14 corridor, according to the county council.

The stunning news is in direct contradiction to assurances, given by Conservative Councillor Matt Bradney, that the bus would serve these two roads

"I specifically asked Cllr Bradney whether the bus would stop on Milton Road and Histon Road and was given assurances that it would," said Lib Dem West Chesterton county councillor, Kevin Wilkins.

"Now we find out that this is not the case. I am absolutely furious that it appears that the new bus service is designed entirely for people living outside the city. There seems to be no provision for people living on the outskirts of Cambridge who need to get into the city."

The news came from Bob Menzies, head of delivery for the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. He said that, although the final decision rested with the bus operators, "we are not expecting the buses to stop in Milton Road or Histon Road so we are not planning any stops."

Mr Menzies added that "it was always the intention that there would be dedicated stops in the city centre, although the locations have changed over the years."

Cambridge City executive councillor for Climate Change and Growth, Sian Reid, said: "I am shocked. Never had I seen such a bold statement which admits the guided bus will not stop on these roads.

"There has been major disruption for people living in the city as work is carried out on the guided busway - yet it seems they are not going to benefit."

East Chesterton County Councillor, Julian Huppert, agreed saying: "I find it amazing that, while Cambridge residents have had to put up with the brunt of the work for the guided bus, it will not help them."