Week long closure of guided busway angers bus company

The guideway will be closed in both directions between New Bedford Road, Luton, and Church Street, Dunstable, from Monday to Friday 17-21 August inclusive.

Works are subject to weather conditions permitting, and the weekend of 22/23 August has additionally been allocated as a contingency if required.

The Clifton Road and Stanton Road busway stops will therefore also be closed as a result, with bus services that usually use the guideway diverting onto local roads. Passengers are advised to check with their operator for details of service changes.

But one bus route provider has expressed their disappointment at the decision.

Dave Shelley from Grant Palmer has written:” Further to Luton council’s press release about the closure of the busway, I write to provide information about the impact of the closure on our customers using busway route C between Weatherby, Dunstable and Luton.

The closure of the busway is expected to double journey times between Dunstable and Luton from 12 to 24 minutes. As a result we will be operating a special timetable, with a reduced level of service, but at least one which we will be able to deliver on time and customers can rely on.

The special timetable is on our website www.grantpalmer.com, and more information is also available on 01525719719.

The closure of the busway at such short notice is very frustrating for both ourselves and our customers who will feel let down. We are very sorry about the impact it is having and are raising our concerns with Luton council and Central Bedfordshire who are managing the closure, and with the Traffic Commissioner for the region who oversees conduct in such things.”