Service W8 is a bus service which operates between Wellingborough and Bozeat via Wollaston.
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History
editThe bus route was operated by Stagecoach in the past prior to being taken over by Centrebus.[1] Following a decision by Northamptonshire County Council to cancel all bus route subsidies, then-operator Centrebus stated that the W8 route would be cut as a result.[2] In November 2019, the service transferred from Centrebus to Grant Palmer.[3] The company had informed the council that the route was no longer viable due to financial pressure and a driver shortage. The council subsequently decided to spend £14,000 on subsidising the route until April 2022.[4] On 8 November 2021, the service will transfer from Grant Palmer to Stagecoach East Midlands.[5][6]
Usage
editIn 2018 it was estimated that around 30 people used the route.[2] It currently runs at an hourly frequency.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Not worth service despair". Buses Magazine. 19 December 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
- ^ a b "CUTS U-TURN: Slashed bus subsidies will take us back to the 'Stone Age' fears Northamptonshire villager". Northampton Chronicle & Echo. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
- ^ "Centrebus gives up in Northants". Buses Magazine. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
- ^ "Wellingborough: Council pays £14,000 to keep bus route running". BBC News. 1 November 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
- ^ "W8 passes to Stagecoach". Grant Palmer. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
- ^ a b Bagley, Alison (29 October 2021). "Threatened Wellingborough school bus route saved as council rides to the rescue". Northamptonshire Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 3 November 2021.