Change to rural bus route reversed after complaints

A bus operator has agreed to reverse changes made to a rural route after it was accused of making "isolating" and "potentially discriminatory" decisions.

The 96 service, between Northampton and Rugby in Warwickshire, had seen two stops in West Haddon cut by changes to the route, as well as the removal of a direct link to Northampton General Hospital.

Rosie Humphreys, Liberal Democrat councillor for Braunston and Crick, said she had been contacted by numerous older and disabled people who felt "effectively cut off" as a result of the changes.

However, route operator Stagecoach confirmed it would reinstate the West Haddon stops after discussions with West Northamptonshire Council.

As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Humphreys claimed the original changes were introduced without any public consultation.

"While I'm delighted Stagecoach has seen sense and is reinstating the two vital bus stops in West Haddon it remains unacceptable for the route to no longer serve Northampton railway station, Northampton General Hospital and St James," she said.

"The village will continue to campaign against these changes which badly impact rural residents who rely on public transport to access services in Northampton."

A spokesperson for the Reform UK-controlled council said: "We understand that these changes were made to improve the efficiency of this route, but Stagecoach has now agreed to reinstate the former route within West Haddon to serve all stops as previously, in light of residents' concerns."

Stagecoach has not responded to the LDRS's question on whether the bus service would still serve Northampton General Hospital.

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