Bus campaign pressure paying off

Thanks to the intense campaigning and petitions presented to the council, bus routes are set to improve, after many residents in Goldington, Kempston, Putnoe, and Shortstown had their bus services cut earlier this year. 

A report in the Council’s Executive Committee papers in response to the petitions states that grant funding has been reallocated, for services to run to the following locations: 

Hillgrounds Road; Saxon Centre; South Wing Hospital; Bedford Bus Station; North Wing Hospital; Putnoe Lane; Woodlands Park; Bedford Train Station; Abbeyfields. 

There will be a minimum hourly frequency. Buses will run from 07.30 – 19.30, Monday to Saturday. The Council is also working with schools and colleges, including Bedford College, to explore a shift from private transport contracts to mainstream public bus services.

Cllr Michael Headley (Putnoe) said, 

“I continue to receive emails every week from residents in my ward who have been left stranded by the cuts.  In all my time in the Council I have never known an issue cause so much concern as the recent bus service cuts. 

I want to thank all the residents who have emailed, signed our petitions, or been in touch in other ways. 

The Council finally seems to be listening.  This is a first step and we will not relax our pressure until all residents that lost services have a regular, reliable and accessible bus service restored.”

Cllr Henry Vann (Group Leader) said, 

“After months of delay, the Council is finally unlocking funding that should have been supporting local bus services long ago. This is a step in the right direction, but residents deserve a clear and joined-up plan for buses across Bedford Borough. There is still a lot of uncertainty around exactly where these services will go and we will keep up our campaigning until we get proper services restored.” 

I am especially pleased that calls to work with schools and colleges have been listened to. Giving more young people access to reliable and affordable public transport will help families save money and could also reduce traffic congestion on our roads.”

Notes:

‘Save Putnoe Buses’ petition, with 813 signatures, and ‘Stop the Bus Cuts’ petition with 976 signatures were debated at Full Council on 1 July, 2026.  Agenda for Full Council on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, 6.30 pm - Bedford Borough Council

Executive Papers, page 31 onwards (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Executive, 16/09/2026 14:30