New bus service terminates after 12 weeks

bus378

A new bus service running between Wilmslow and the Handforth Dean retail park is being axed after a 12 week trial period.

D & G Bus launched the new commercial service on April 24th, running from Wilmslow's Bank Square, through Lacey Green and Handforth to Handforth Dean Retail Park - making it the first service to run directly to and from the retail park and Wilmslow.

Chris Almond, bus network manager for D & G Bus, said "We've decided to cancel the service as not enough passengers are using it and it isn't making enough money to cover its costs."

The last day of operation will be Friday 14th July.

The D & G 378 service partially replaced the Stagecoach 378 service which stopped operating in Cheshire East on April 23rd and now terminates at Grove Lane on the Stockport border.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach Manchester said: "Falling passenger numbers on the 378 service means it has become no longer sustainable for us to continue to run this service on the section of the route between Grove Lane, Stockport and Wilmslow. We apologise to our customers who are affected by this change."

Janet Taylor, who along with Julie Lowe from Handforth, campaigned to save the 378 bus service said "We are very sorry to hear this bus service hasn't been a success and the service is ceasing next month. Obviously this reduced service was not sufficient for the passengers even though there was a good response to our campaign to keep the Wilmslow to Stockport service. I still worry about the elderly and infirm who depend on this service for appointments and shopping."

Speaking at the launch of the service Cheshire East Council Deputy Leader David Brown said: "I would urge our residents to take advantage of this service as it is vital that it continues, and provides a lifeline for a large number of people who do not have access to a car, who may feel isolated living alone or who need a regular bus service for local schools.

"Buses are also an excellent form of green transport and we would like to urge car users to think about switching to this and other services if it is feasible for them to do so."

Tags:
378 Service, D&G 378, Stagecoach 378 Service
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Hannelore Hartig
Wednesday 7th June 2017 at 4:41 pm
sorry to loose this service , but I have to agree, not that many people used it .
Would it not be possible to have a smaller bus ? this bus is for many people the only way they can get to the Dr or go shopping > thinking of the elderly , who have been using it .Would it be possible to maybe ask for a token fare of say £1 ?
Laurie Atterbury
Saturday 10th June 2017 at 7:42 am
Cross subsidies used to wotk fine ehrn punlic transport wad iwned by the public.
Laurie Atterbury
Sunday 11th June 2017 at 8:28 am
Cross subsidies used to wotk fine ehrn punlic transport wad iwned by the public.