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13
Nov
Concerns raised about impact of ongoing Harrogate roadworks on bus service
A councillor has raised concerns about the impact of ongoing roadworks in Harrogate on bus services in his area.
Cllr Mike Schofield, an independent who represents Harlow and St George’s on North Yorkshire Council, has written to Transdev – which owns the Harrogate Bus Company – about the number six bus.
The service runs from the bus station, down Victoria Avenue and through the Montpellier area, towards Pannal Ash and Harlow Hill, past the Shepherd's Dog pub on Otley Road and back.
In his email to Transdev, seen by the Stray Ferret, Cllr Schofield said he had received a number of emails about the service since resurfacing began on Pannal Ash Road and roadworks started on Cold Bath Road and Otley Road.
He said a number of stops were currently closed and there were no viable alternatives for older or vulnerable people
Cllr Schofield added some commuters and residents felt there had been “insufficient” information about routes and stops during the disruption, as well as buses not turning up and the app not providing accurate, up-to-date information.
He also raised concerns about the bus not leaving from the correct stand at Harrogate Bus Station, sometimes with little or no notification.
Late services
Cllr Schofield also highlighted the lack of night buses. The last number 6 bus is at 7pm, or 6.40pm on Sundays. He questioned why other services, such as the 36, were able to operate well into the evening whereas the 6's timetable was “restrictive”.
The limited timetable, he said, meant residents were unable to visit the town centre in the evening, unless they paid for a taxi.
The councillor cited Transdev’s mission statement, which is: “we empower freedom to move everyday thanks to safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that serve the common good.”
He asked the firm how the mission statement and reliability are both measured, and asked the council’s passenger transport department how it holds Transdev to account when necessary.
‘We are truly sorry’
The Stray Ferret put Cllr Schofield’s concerns to Transdev. A spokesperson said:
We are aware about a piece of customer contact regarding our 6 route to Pannal Ash.
We are looking into the points raised and will respond to the customer once this has been completed.
We are committed to good customer service and regret that bus stops have been closed due to roadworks recently – we are truly sorry to any customers who have been inconvenienced by this. Information about service disruptions can be found on our website and the free to use Transdev Go app.
Northern Gas Networks is currently carrying out work on Cold Bath Road, which is set to finish next Friday.
Cllr Schofield told the Stray Ferret roadworks on Pannal Ash Road, Green Lane, Yew Tree Lane, Whinney Lane and Beckwith Road Roundabout will also finish next week dependent on the weather.
“There will be a 30m patch on the left of Green Lane, as there is to be a new utility supply laid in the area in the near future”, he added.
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