Residents report ‘impossible’ travel due to bus service reductions

Residents of a Hampshire waterside village are calling for improved bus services, stating that current provisions leave them “cut off” from essential amenities. The Bluestar Number 9 bus service’s route was altered in September, resulting in Calshot receiving six weekday buses, a reduction from its previous hourly service. Local residents report difficulties accessing medical appointments and shops, especially those who depend on the free pensioner bus pass, which is only valid from 09:30 onwards. Andrew Wickham, Bluestar’s managing director, noted that customer numbers for the waterside services had been “slower to bounce back” following the Covid pandemic. Jacqui Clark, who relies on the bus since undergoing a knee replacement, stated: “It’s making us isolated to be honest with you, we can’t get out. It’s very hard for people who don’t drive.” She added, “It’s impossible to get to an medical appointment and back again on the bus. You could be waiting five hours for a bus to bring you back.” Annabella Drummond, who assists with the weekly Calshot food pantry, indicated that the pantry has become an essential service because Calshot lacks a shop and car-less individuals face challenges reaching nearby villages for groceries. She explained, “People are completely stranded. You can’t walk to Fawley because it’s miles on the side of a country lane without a path, too dangerous.” Volunteer taxi driver Steve Burt commented: “I’ve become the bus. Lots of people need lifts and a few of us are having to help out when people are stuck.” Waterside Changemakers, an organization supporting individuals through the cost of living crisis, recently conducted a survey of 272 people regarding bus services to the villages of Hythe, Marchwood, Langley, Fawley, Blackfield, Dibden, and Calshot. The survey revealed that almost two-thirds of respondents considered bus frequency inadequate, with some reporting having declined job offers due to unreliable bus transport. The group has submitted a petition and presented a deputation at a Hampshire County Council meeting, advocating for subsidies for the service. The council operates a government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and collaborates with Bluestar. Andrew Wickham, the bus firm’s managing director, stated that “money isn’t unlimited,” adding, “In Hampshire, we need to decide how it’s best spent to give the maximum benefit for the greatest number of people.” Mr. Wickham indicated that the Calshot service’s operational costs exceeded its revenue from ticket sales. He further stated, “We’re part of an enhanced partnership with local councils and they come up with a bus service improvement plan.” Following the funding announcement on 18 November, Mr. Wickham confirmed that the company would “sit down with local authorities and agree the best way to spend it,” emphasizing, “Making services faster, more reliable and more punctual is probably the most important thing to attract more people to use buses, so we’re really keen to have more of that.” A county council spokesperson commented: “With limited funds available, we must direct BSIP funding to routes that will benefit the highest number of potential customers.”