Grant Palmer to take over local bus services

Date Added: 06/10/2022

Flitwick-based bus operator Grant Palmer, is to provide an alternative bus service for passengers from Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy from the end of October, following the news Stagecoach is to withdraw its 72 and 73 services.

Grant Palmer will be providing a new commercial service, which will include:

• An hourly service between Sandy and Bedford (Monday-Saturday) with alternate journeys extended to either Potton or Biggleswade

• An early morning service from Sandy to Bedford (previously provided by Stagecoach) retained but journeys will finish earlier in the evenings

• Journeys at convenient times for students travelling to and from Bedford College

• A journey to and from Potton coinciding with start and finish times at Sandy Secondary School

• Beeston retaining its service, however it will run on a reduced frequency (two hourly compared to hourly previously). Moggerhanger will be served on an hourly basis in both directions of travel

• A direct service to Bedford from Drove Road area in Biggleswade retained (two-hourly)

Grant Palmer will continue to operate the 74 service between Biggleswade and Bedford via Ickwell and Northill on an hourly basis for any passengers from Biggleswade requiring a faster and more direct service to Bedford.

Students who attend Stratton Upper School and currently using Stagecoach’s 72 service will be transferred to the Herberts 189 route.

The Bedford to Sandy, Potton & Biggleswade routes were identified as core routes in the Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and so can be considered for enhancement once the BSIP funding is confirming from the government