Community Unites to Challenge Failing Local Bus Service Operator
Residents of rural villages rely on a dependable bus service for their daily activities and essential tasks.
These services fulfil a wide range of needs, from children taking the bus to school to residents traveling to nearby towns for essential activities like food shopping, attending medical appointments, or meeting friends for coffee. It’s not just about residents leaving the village, it also enables people to visit residents of the village. For many who do not own a car, this bus service is vital.
In May 2023, there was a significant decline in service levels. Buses were frequently late or failed to show up without any warning. Children were left stranded at bus stops, forcing them to call their parents for help, it prevented people from attending crucial appointments, getting to work, or going to the shops.
The clerks of Lilley PC and Offley PC collaborated tirelessly, gathering data on the inadequate bus service. They persistently contacted the operator week after week to address the issues. Despite receiving unhelpful responses, they remained determined and continued their efforts for months on end.
In April 2024, Lilley Parish Council reported the withdrawal of the 100/101 bus services from Lilley. Not everyone reads the minutes of our meetings, however, and in early May 2024, a resident, by sheer luck, saw a notice on the bus indicating that the 100 and 101 bus routes would be altered and would no longer pass through Lilley. This change took effect in early June 2024, effectively isolating the village. A new, reduced 102 service was introduced, but it proved to be of limited use and inadequate for the village’s needs.
As news of the bus service changes spread, anger surged among locals due to the impact on themselves, their children, and their friends. The community united, flooding the bus operator and local MPs with emails, letters, and phone calls, seeking support. This collective effort also led to a notable increase in attendance at Parish Council meetings.
The bus operator’s responses were largely unhelpful, often just automated replies stating, “Thanks for contacting us, your feedback has been received.” Despite this, emails and phone calls continued, and as more people complained, it seemed the operator began to take notice, albeit with no intention of making any changes.
On a few occasions, elderly people were seen walking back from the bus stop on Hollybush Hill along the 60mph main road into Lilley; it doesn’t have a footpath and is unsafe for pedestrians. Fortunately, villagers offered them rides home, ensuring their safety. These specific situations brought the community together as one.
One Sunday afternoon in Lilley, residents, a local MP, and representatives from the local Parish Councils gathered to share their stories. With the help of a local resident, they recorded their individual accounts on camera, which were then compiled into a short film. This film was widely shared on social media to raise awareness and amplify the issue.
Then, on July 18th 2024, an announcement was made that the bus operator had seemingly listened to the concerns raised over the past weeks and months. The bus service would be reinstated on September 22nd 2024. The timetable has been published on the Arriva website and is available here: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/find-a-service/100-101-102-luton-to-stevenage
This remarkable outcome demonstrates the incredible achievements that can be reached when people come together for a cause they truly care about. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to getting the bus services reinstated. Your perseverance and hard work have made a significant impact. The village of Lilley thanks you all. This achievement showcases our fantastic community spirit, and it’s something we should all be proud of.
Councillor Phil Gage
Lilley Parish Council