Stagecoach East Expands Bus Services Ahead of New Academic Year

Cambridgeshire’s Busway is set to enhance its services with additional buses and ticket sellers just in time for the new academic year. This decision aims to accommodate the annual surge of commuters returning to school and college, particularly noted at the beginning of September.

The public transportation provider, Stagecoach East, announced on August 30, 2023, that it will implement “substantial investments” to manage the expected increase in customer demand. Additional buses will be integrated into the existing schedule, significantly boosting capacity throughout the route.

In addition to the increased number of buses, official ticket sellers will be present at St Ives and Longstanton Park & Ride during peak morning hours from September 1 to September 5, aimed at reducing boarding times for commuters.

Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, emphasized the importance of the Busway as a key transport route into Cambridge. He stated, “The Busway is a hugely important artery into the city, and so we are proud to be an essential part of getting so many people to school, college, and work.” Roe added that these enhancements should significantly reduce travel times while maintaining service viability.

Despite these improvements, Roe cautioned that peak times, particularly between 07:30 and 09:00, will continue to see the highest volume of passengers. He advised commuters to allow extra time for their journeys during these busy hours. Outside of peak times, the Busway is expected to have lighter traffic.

To facilitate smoother travel, Roe also recommended that customers download the Stagecoach App. This app offers a range of services, including live bus tracking, journey planning, and mobile ticket purchasing. “Buying your tickets before you travel is an excellent way that all customers can play a part in helping to reduce boarding times – and so keep our services to time!” he noted.

The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway is recognized as the longest guided busway in the world, connecting communities across Cambridge, Huntingdon, and St Ives. This expansion of services is part of Stagecoach East’s ongoing commitment to enhance public transport and meet the needs of its growing customer base.