Arriva buses have privately told local councillors that they are 'not prepared' to reinstate Bus Service 1 between Newport Pagnell and Milton Keynes, but will instead review their decision to cancel the service in late November.
The news comes after MKFM reported that local MP Mark Lancaster had joined local residents in describing the proposed changes as "disappointing" and undertaken "without wide consultation" of residents.
The changes, which are due to come into effect from Sunday 29th October, will mean that Newport Pagnell residents will no longer be served by Arriva Service 1 between the town and the City Centre. This service will now operate only between Bletchley and the City Centre.
Residents will now be required to take Route 2 into the City Centre with onward connections available towards Bletchley.
Cllr Douglas McCall, who represents Newport Pagnell, said "Lib Dem Ward councillors arranged a meeting with Arriva to put across residents’ concerns and this took place last week. Cllr Paul Alexander, a regular bus user himself, is leading on this issue for ward councillors. Representatives from MK Council and the Town Council also attended the meeting."
"Unfortunately Arriva were not prepared to reinstate the route but will review their decision in late November, when local Lib Dem councillors have arranged another meeting with them."
"The Newport Pagnell South Ward Councillors will continue the pressure for the route to be reinstated."
One local resident commented that the proposals lead “such a poor service” towards the Renny Lodge area of the town, with concerns also raised about onward travel from Newport Pagnell towards MK College and local schools.
Another resident commented: “[I] feel sorry for [the] school children and residents being crammed [on] or missing the only bus in that slot.”
Alternative Routes
Newport Pagnell to Hospital
Direct using services 24/25.
Alternatively use services 2, 21, 24/25, C10 to CMK Food Centre then change to services 4, 5, 6 from stop E3.
Newport Pagnell to Bletchley
Direct using services 24/25.
Alternatively use services 2, 21, 24/25, C10 to CMK Food Centre then change to services 5, 6 from stop E3.
Alternatively use services 2, 21, 24/25, C10 to CMK The Point then change to service 70 from stop H3 or service 1 from stop M4.
Newport Pagnell to Woughton Campus
Direct in the morning using service 601
Alternatively use services 2, 21, 24/25, C10 to CMK Food Centre then change to services 5, 6 from stop E3, service 28 from stop C3 or service 33 from stop B3.
Alternatively use services 2, 21, 24/25, C10 to CMK The Point then change to services 70/F70 from stop H3, or service 1 from stop M4.
