7 December 2007
Public transport progress
Over 80 per cent of the local people who responded to Petersfield Tomorrow's questionnaire in 2006 called for better bus services, improved bus/rail co-ordination and more facilities and information at bus stops.
Tony Shaw, Chairman of Petersfield Tomorrow's Local Transport Group, believes that, despite some setbacks, the support of East Hampshire District Council members and officers has led to some success. He accepts that "the ride will be bumpy at times, but at least we are on our way."
In January 2007 the threatened withdrawal of the two Petersfield local bus services was averted, and Hampshire County Council awarded contracts for a new bus operator - Countryliner - to run the routes using fully-accessible low-floor buses. From the end of May the same operator took over the services to Midhurst and Chichester, although the West Sussex County Council contracts did not specify low-floor buses. Overall, passengers seem pleased with the reliability of these services and the helpful drivers.
For commercial reasons, Stagecoach diverted the southern end of their Liss, Petersfield, Clanfield bus services in September to serve Havant instead of Portsmouth. Although the route no longer passes near Queen Alexandra Hospital, there is now a fairly good connection in Waterlooville with the First bus service which goes right to the hospital.
Bus-rail co-ordination will benefit greatly from the new South West Trains rail-bus link, which will be introduced on 10 December to provide an hourly fast bus link from Waterlooville, Cowplain and Horndean to Petersfield Station from early morning until after 8.30pm on every weekday. As it will provide a new service for rail commuters to London, it should reduce pressures on car parking space at and near Petersfield Station and also encourage employees in Petersfield to leave their cars at home.
Prior to a full survey, improvements have already been made to the route number and timetable information at local bus stops, and Petersfield Town Council have now agreed to take over and maintain six new bus shelters in the town.
More improvements will be sought, and if anyone has any further suggestions for the local transport group, please contact Tony Shaw on 01730 264 518.