To Betty, Molly, Alice, Graham and everyone else on the bus – thank you for your wonderful company on the little yellow bus. There can be no doubt, this service must be kept for the people of Whitchurch and the surrounding area.
A day on the Whitchurch Community Bus (which can be yellow, green or red, and is now white) was an eye-opener as I joined Basingstoke & Deane's Transport Officer on travelling the route and meeting the regular passengers. Basingtoke presently fund this much needed service so want to know how it is used – What could be improved? Did it meet users needs? What did passengers like, or dislike?
Serving the town and surrounds
The small bus was being driven by its friendly and ever-helpful driver John. It started its journey in Laverstoke, picked up in Whitchurch centre, wound its way around Micheldever Road and the Knowlings, then back into town. It served Evingar Road, the Railway Station before heading north out into the wonderful countryside to Litchfield and back. It even called into the Surgery on the way so one passenger could drop off a prescription and pick up their medicines.
Passengers got on and off, all knowing John by name, who helped with bags and shopping trolleys, often carrying them to the passenger's front doors. To many this bus is a lifeline. For some it is their only way of getting their shopping and essential services. But for everyone it is a wonderful social experience.
Right: The service at Litchfield
Twice a week
It presently only runs on Tuesdays and Fridays with a flat fare of £1.00 per journey, £2.00 return, with bus passes also being valid. The passengers are all well known to John and each other, although sometimes children will travel with their grandparents for the ride -– it's a lot of fun.
The bus runs on a very flexible hail and ride basis, and passengers will also ring up to let John know if they are travelling. It seems little is too much trouble, and the personal touch is something a commercial operator may not easily replicate.
Could it do more?
Undoubtedly yes, and not just running more times a week. Perhaps it could serve some of those who have been disadvantaged by the 76 and 86 service bus changes and maybe provide such as access to lunch clubs or day centres? But the bus is for everyone. Maybe it could provide links to walking routes for those wanting to enjoy the countryside, or run trips out to rural pubs and support local businesses? Many ideas that came out of today's journey.
Not just transport – Social benefits too
The social benefits of this service are enormous. As one regular passenger said as she alighted at Litchfield on Friday afternoon "I'll not now see anyone 'til Monday". Who would that be? "My hairdresser who comes out to me," came the answer with a glint – followed by "then on Tuesday it's the bus again for a shopping trip."
She and all the others had a genuine fondness for the service, for without it many of them would be stranded and be confined to a lonely life. On what bus would every passenger be waving goodbye with wide smiles as they set off?
This service deserves our support - and further development
Details are available from Whitchurch Town Hall or Basingstoke Community Transport on:
01256 320501
