We were disappointed to learn, earlier today, of this service suspension. We are particularly concerned that this is taking place with less than a week’s notice, and wonder how, when, and where intending users of the Milton P&R service will become aware of its withdrawal.
We suspect that most users will become aware only when they arrive at Milton P&R site, and will then drive into the city centre.
Due to government restrictions, we have to limit the number of people who can travel on each bus. Nationally, this has led to a shortage of resources as the lockdown restrictions are eased and more people use the buses to get to work and education. Following discussions between ourselves, the County Council and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, the decision has been made to temporarily suspend the Milton Park & Ride service from Monday 10th May 2021, in order to move the resources onto routes that are seeing a greater demand for services. This temporary suspension of service will allow for extra buses to be provided, initially on Route 13 and other routes that are experiencing capacity issues, where appropriate.
Passengers currently using the Milton Park and Ride service are advised to use Newmarket Road or Madingley Road Park and Ride as an alternative until the limit on passenger numbers is increased and we can resume normal operation.
We apologise for any inconvenience this decision may cause but hope that passengers will understand that the issue is one being experienced on a national scale and each local operation must do everything they can to ensure the resources they have are used to ensure essential local bus services are maintained.
Statement Issued by Stagecoach East‘s Marketing Officer, Tuesday 4th May 2021
The worry is that this will lead to more private vehicles entering Cambridge city centre, on congested roads, delaying bus services, and adding to the problem.
We have approached the three candidates for mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (the Transport Authority, with responsibility for bus services) for comment. They are:
- James Palmer (Conservative) the incumbent mayor, elected in 2017
- Dr Nik Johnson (Labour)
- Aidan Van de Weyer (Liberal Democrat)
Click on any name to visit that candidate’s campaign website.
This post is also open to (polite) comments.
Cambridge Area Bus Users 
What’s happened to all the physical buses that were in use on the Citi 2, Citi 3, Citi 4, Citi 5, X5 and Busway before covid? Have they been moved to other Stagecoach operations or are they sitting in the yard unlicensed?
Pretty terrible show all round from Stagecoach at a time when you see other Bus operators around the country restoring full services and trying to win customers back. Not a good look
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Thanks I don’t know what if any notice was given for Citi7 changes today. To avoid road works at Gt Shelford traffic lights, it was/is running from Addenbrooke’s via Babraham Road, Hinton Way and Mingle Lane — which was v annoying as I had wanted Shelford Road! Bah!
Richard Wakeford,
Trumpington
A2B bus Cº only found out because a friendly local resident let them know.
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