Coventry bus route changes causes a stir

[dutchman]

More than 400 people have signed a petition opposing bus route changes in Coventry.

Allesley residents have signed the petition to transport authority Centro as the 701 service to University Hospital is replaced by a new service which does not pick up at the top of Winsford Avenue.

It will be replaced by the 801 city circular route connecting to a host of new destinations – but missing out the bus stop at the top of Allesley Park.

The new circular will connect to Warwick University, Cannon Park shops, Willenhall, Binley and Jaguar Land Rover at Whitley.

Centro have insisted the changes are currently under review. The petition will be forwarded to Travel de Courcey which puts on services.

Coun Bally Singh (Whoberley, Lab) handed over the petition at a recent ward forum. He said: “The strength of feeling against the planned route for the new 801 bus is clear.

“Over 400 people are calling on Centro and Travel de Courcey to reconsider their decision not serve the top of Allesley Park.

"Because the 801 bus will travel to the hospital, the high proportion of elderly residents at the top of the estate will also miss out on a real tangible community benefit.

“This is simply not fair, and we hope the petition can therefore change minds.”

The new city circular will miss out the loop to the top of Winsford Avenue and back down to Allesley Old Road

Instead it will turn right at the bottom of Whitaker Road, stopping only at the bottom of Winsford Avenue before turning right on to Allesley Old Road.

Centro spokesman Mark Langford said: “In the part of Allesley Park that residents are referring to there is only modest usage of the current 701 service – approximately a dozen passengers per day.

“It would be possible for these passengers to use the number 2 service down the hill to (the bottom of) Winsford Avenue and connect to the circle service there.

“We recognise that this would be less convenient than a through bus and make the journey time longer. We are reviewing the situation and will be engaging in further discussions.”

[dutchman]

Residents' petition leads to new Allesley Park bus route



A new bus route is being introduced in Allesley Park after a petition from residents.

More than 400 people signed a petition to transport authority Centro as the 701 service to University Hospital was replaced by a new service which does not pick up at the top of Winsford Avenue.

It was replaced by the 801 city circular route connecting to a host of new destinations – but missing out the bus stop at the top of Allesley Park.

Coun Bally Singh (Lab, Whoberley) had argued the changes were leaving some elderly residents stranded.

But in response to residents complaints the top of Winsford Avenue will be served by a new 23 bus service every 15 minutes. This new service will connect with the city centre and Pool Meadow bus station.

But the new 23 service will be reviewed after six months.

Coun Singh said: “Thanks to the petition which was signed by over 400 local residents of Allesley Park, Centro will trial a new community bus for six months.

“If it proves to be popular, then this bus will continue more permanently.

“So I urge local people to spread the word with their friends and family, and make the new community bus the success it deserves to be.”

The new city circular will miss out the loop to the top of Winsford Avenue and back down to Allesley Old Road Instead it will turn right at the bottom of Whitaker Road, stopping only at the bottom of Winsford Avenue before turning right on to Allesley Old Road.

But the circular will connect to Warwick University, Cannon Park shops, Willenhall, Binley and Jaguar Land Rover at Whitley.