Number 28 bus meeting

28 bus meeting opens dialogue

The 28 bus campaign had a successful meeting with Stagecoach representatives, Dimitri Bridgeland and Ron Jarvis, local councillors, Tania Charman, Peter Chowney, Judy Rogers and Mike Turner and local bus users on the 19 July at Mendham Hall on the West Hill, Hastings. Although no solution was found to this troubled service, it was felt a dialogue was created enabling the campaign to move forward. Marylyn Edwards writes.

The 28 bus route runs from the Station to the Conquest Hospital via the West Hill and Ore and has been recently reduced as Stagecoach increased the time from one bus an hour to every 70 minutes. Linda Jeal, Marylyn Edwards and Judy Scott started a campaign in May. After some meetings with local residents this larger meeting was called.

There are many problems with bus services in the Hastings and St Leonards. West Hill now has only the 28 bus, which has always been a Cinderella service. Last year things deteriorated further with buses being over half and hour late or being cut altogether.

When Stagecoach implemented the changes at the beginning of May, they said it would improve the service. There had been no consultation with users and they gave no information on these changes until the end of April. This issue was raised at the meeting.

Participants also talked of the difficulties of getting to the hospital for appointments and visiting friends and relatives especially as there is no evening bus. There are many who have problems with mobility and West Hill is a very steep hill, increasing social isolation. Many people would like to get out in the evenings and the only solution is to get a taxi, which many cannot afford. Since the changes the service is more regular though there are still problems with timekeeping.

The 28 bus service is not alone in poorly serving the residents of this town. I feel the councillors and Stagecoach did take on board that we all need to be working together to provide a solution to the transport problems of this town. Stagecoach has agreed to monitor the 28 bus and come back in October when we will have another wider meeting. Our councillors will also look into our specific issues. We will also be monitoring the buses and will be starting a petition.

For more information or if you would like to get involved in the campaign contact hastings.bus28@gmail.com

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