Bus users forced to wait for delayed or cancelled services are 'set to see improvements'

Bus operators have joined forces to improve services

Residents forced to wait in bad weather for delayed or cancelled buses should see an improvement in some services.

Operators Arriva and Stagecoach will be providing joint services throughout Leicestershire from February.

It follows a meeting with the firms by MP Neil O’Brien and local councillors after concerns were raised about the X3, 31, and X7 services serving Market Harborough, Oadby, the Kibworths and Great Glen.

Company Arriva said the main reason for the issues had been a shortage of drivers but it is working to fill vacant positions by hiring agency drivers and bringing them into the county from elsewhere.

There were also complaints by residents about the 47/47A/48/48A, 49, and 85 routes which serve South Wigston, Wigston and Fleckney and the companies say this will be resolved as more drivers come on board.

Both services also say they will be improving their mobile apps so travellers know about delays and cancellations in real time. Arriva has also introduced 36 new buses to its Leicestershire fleet which will take to the road over the coming weeks.

Mr O’Brien said the changes were brought in by ‘Enhanced Partnerships’ which see bus companies and councils work together to improve services.

He told the Mail: “At present there are often two buses from different companies coming at once and then a gap of nearly an hour to the next one. That's crazy and we need better coordination so we can get one every half an hour.

“Arriva and Stagecoach are starting discussions with Leicestershire County Council about creating a more regular service along the A6 corridor. Together with local councillors I will be doing all I can to push this forward.

“The most important thing is for residents to have a regular and reliable bus service.”

A spokesman for Arriva said: “We are pleased to be working with local stakeholders to deliver benefits to customers through Enhanced Partnership, with the first coordinated multi-operator timetables in Leicestershire expected to go live this February. We hope to introduce further coordinated timetables in other parts of the county later this year, including the A6 corridor, and look forward to working with Mr O’Brien and councillors in taking this forward.”

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