Basingstoke residents react to changes in bus routes

As previously reported, Stagecoach announced that major changes are coming to bus routes throughout Basingstoke from Sunday, April 16.

Anne Lackey regularly takes the number 1 bus from Brighton Hill to the town centre.

This route is due to see increased frequency and timing changes, running five buses per hour Monday-Saturday daytime, and four buses per hour Sunday daytime.

She is optimistic about the changes: "At the moment it doesn't stop where you want because of roadworks, and there are always big queues at the bus stops in Brighton Hill."

She added: "Hopefully the new changes will help with this." 

READ MORE: Stagecoach announces major changes on Basingstoke routes

Susan Cunningham gets the number 5 bus from West Popley, which will see increased frequency at weekends, every 20 minutes on Saturdays during the daytime, and every 30 minutes on Sundays during the day. This service will no longer serve the hospital on a Sunday.

She expressed concerns about this bus route, particularly its service around the hospital.

She said: "There are a lot of vulnerable elderly people living in Popley, and the number 5 route to the hospital is appalling."

She added: "You have to get the bus to town and wait for it to go back to the hospital, it takes a very long time."

She continued: "You can't use your bus pass before 9.30 in the morning, if you need to go to the hospital you're better off getting a cab."

Ashley Higgs gets the number 5 and 6 buses regularly.

No changes are being made to the number 6 route, but he believes there should have been.

He said: "They need to come more frequently, and make sure they schedule them on time."

Susan Smith isn't a regular bus-goer but does catch the number 5 from time to time.

She told the Gazette: "I think it's good they are making it more regular, but the trouble is whether there are enough passengers to justify it."

She said: "Some days it is really busy, but I've been on it when it's empty."