Bracknell Council confirmed it will axe four local bus routes, leaving some passengers — including vulnerable residents in Sandhurst, Crowthorne and Warfield — without their only form of transport.
At Bracknell’s annual budget meeting on Wednesday, February 25, the authority cut services with very low use: the 151/151A, the 299 and the 598.
In one week in November only 305 trips were taken on the 151/151A, 139 on the 299 and 73 on the 598 shopper service in Crowthorne and Sandhurst. Each trip costs the council between £11 and £17.
Cllr Guy Gillbe (Easthampstead & Wildridings) acknowledged the impact on those who rely on the routes. He said he had consulted widely with bus operators about possible route changes, but none proved practical. He also asked town and parish councils to partner financially; all declined.
The Warfield Park Community Association launched a petition to save one service, but it arrived too late to make a difference.
Passengers were directed towards voluntary schemes such as Keep Mobile and Ark community transport, which provide door-to-door transport for vulnerable children and adults with physical or mental disabilities. A Green Party member at the meeting warned there is a carbon cost to running near-empty buses.
The 151/151A will end at the close of the summer term. The 299 and the 598 will finish at the end of a six weeks' notice period.
Meanwhile there has been debate about whether these cuts rule Bracknell out of upcoming government bus funding. Up to a million pounds is becoming available through the Local Authority Bus Grant: £408,000 per year rising to £433,203 in 2029 for assets such as bus lanes, shelters, display boards or onboard wifi, and £616,812 per year to maintain a £3 fare cap.
Reports suggested Cllr Gillbe had been “astonished and taken aback” at a bus forum when he learned of the new money, and that the cuts might disqualify Bracknell. Conservative leader Gareth Barnard revealed at the budget meeting that Cllr Gillbe had briefed group leaders the previous day.
Cllr Gillbe said: “The council was made aware of the grant in December with which comes a number of conditions.”
“One of which is that base bus funding not be reduced after the 26/27 financial year begins on April 1.
“A concern was raised at a recent meeting of bus operators that the budget before us would not meet those conditions.
“I conducted due diligence by asking officers to review and confirm.
“Senior officers reviewed the grant conditions and have confirmed that the budget before us is compliant.
“We have a partner in government that is ready to support us in preserving our future base bus funding.”
At the meeting Cllr Gillbe also announced a “supported bus review” to begin when current subsidised bus contracts expire at the end of 2028 — by which time elections may mean a different administration is in charge.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
