IRATE BUS CAMPAIGNERS HAND PETITION TO ARRIVA

FURIOUS bus campaigners have handed a 300-signature petition, calling for urgent improvements, to the operators of the much-maligned 685 service.

But public transport chiefs at Arriva North East have warned that replacing the buses – deemed small and inadequate – could cost £300,000 per bus and lead to an increase in fares.

Campaigners and representatives of Arriva, which jointly-operates the service with Stagecoach, came face-to-face at a meeting of Haydon Parish Council last Thursday.

Villagers complained that coaches used on the service, which runs between Newcastle and Carlisle, were breaking down regularly until July, when they were replaced by the smaller-sized buses.

While they agreed that the replacements were more reliable, the campaigners, all Haydon Bridge residents, argued that the buses were often overcrowded, with some people, including pensioners, having to stand.

Sylvia Mitchell, who is leading the campaign, said safety is an issue because the smaller buses have no seat belts, while some drivers move the vehicles before passengers can find a seat or a suitable standing place.

On the receiving end was Paul De Santis, head of commercial development at Arriva, who said all the issues raised would be taken on board with a view to making improvements where possible.

He said: “The service has greatly improved since July, but we have a fleet of 500 buses in the North-East, and the ones in use are the ones we have available.

“We might have to think about going out and buying some new buses, but that would take 18 months and cost astronomical amounts of money, and possibly put up the price of fares considerably.”

Mr De Santis said the coaches previously used on the 685 route did not have wheelchair access, and therefore didn’t comply with regulations.

He suggested that the best way forward would be to make improvements to the current vehicles, which are already accessible for wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs, and looking at the possibility of installing seat belts.

He added: “We have carried out surveys and we have listened to everything that has been said. We want to provide the best service possible and will see how we can do things better.”

Depot manager David Brogan said that in an ideal world, Arriva would run more services along parts of the route, including the stretch between Hexham and Haltwhistle.

However, it no longer has a depot at Hexham, and it costs more money for buses to cover longer distances.

Coun. Alan Sharp, the local county council representative, said: “Health and safety and the need for seat belts – these are key issues.

“These people are living in a rural area and they rely on buses, and they deserve a better service. At the moment they are reluctant to go on them and that is a concern.”

After handing over the petition, signed by residents in the Haydon Bridge area, Mrs Mitchell said she was now prepared to give the operators a chance to make improvements.

She also called for better ticketing arrangements between Arriva and Stagecoach, so passengers had more flexibility while using buses provided by both firms on return journeys.

Dissatisfaction with the reliability of the 685 service was also aired during a meeting of Henshaw Parish Council on Monday.

Chairman Jeff Oliver said passengers were fed up of standing at the bus stop in all types of weather, and suggested that people should be able to track the whereabouts of buses online.

The petition will also be sent to Stagecoach.