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Multi-party initiative saves rural Lambourn bus service





Buses on route 47 will continue to run as a result of a partnership between West Berkshire Council, Oxfordshire County Council and bus operator Go Ride.
The number 47, run by Thamesdown, was previously subsidised by Swindon Borough Council, West Berkshire Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
It provided a lifeline for Lambourn Valley residents who needed to get to the Great Western Hospital or to Swindon College, and ran every two hours from 6.15am each weekday.
But Swindon Borough Council announced it could no longer afford to pay the lion’s share of the subsidy.
Earlier this month Lambourn Parish Council chairman Peter Iveson said: “The number 47 is vital for people getting to hospital who can’t get a volunteer driver first thing in the morning. I’ve used it for that myself several times.”
Graham Jones (Con, Lambourn) admitted thaty the service was “vital” to some Lambourn residents and revealed he had been discussing alternatives with colleagues from the other two councils.
Although the number 47 service has been cancelled from October 26, a replacement has been announced.
The replacement service, Go Ride 90, was launched on Monday, October 28, and will provide Monday to Saturday peak and off-peak buses.
It will be operated primarily on a commercial basis, with support from participating councils.
The initiative will involve the adaptation and extension of the existing Hungerford-to-Lambourn route.
Director of Go Ride, Danny Douglas, said: “We are managing to keep the same level of service by cutting the running costs by using smaller buses.
This means that everybody will still be paying the same fare as at present.”
Mr Jones said: “The coordination between the councils and Go Ride has been fantastic, [the resulting service] will especially help all those who need to get to the Great Western Hospital – the main hospital for Lambourn – and Swindon College.”
Further information, including adjustments to the current timetable, is available on current route 47 buses, at the Great Western Hospital, in the library and in the parish council offices.
Meanwhile the Wantage bus, which also provides a much needed service to the Lambourn Valley, was said to be due for the chop next April after West Berkshire Council announced it could no longer subsidise the route.
However Mr Jones said: “Wantage is a major shopping destination for local people.
"We’re looking at our options and I’m reasonably confident we can get this sorted and find a solution.”



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