Students from Long Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge have spearheaded a forum to discuss the evolution of bus travel in Cambridgeshire.
The Cambridgeshire Buses Feedback Forum, which engaged with the Mayor of Cambridge and Peterborough, Dr. Nik Johnson, and representatives from prominent local bus operators such as Stagecoach East, Stephensons of Essex, and Whippet, provided a platform for youth to voice their perspectives and suggestions for improving bus services.
The students, who took the lead in opening and chairing the event, shared insights from a survey conducted among local bus users that highlights aspirations and concerns regarding the current state of bus travel.
The forum addressed issues such as scheduling, pricing, and the perennial problem of congestion. An outcome was the proposal of a manifesto advocating for a more collaborative approach among utilities companies and bus operators to mitigate the impact of roadworks on bus services.
Says David Boden, Chair of the CP Bus Alliance, speaking at the event on behalf of Stagecoach East: “This was an extremely well organised event and raised some very important points. The research they produced was very professional and an important element in the ongoing debate about how we build our future bus network.
“As bus operators, we come to work every day with a desire to make our local bus network as good as it can possibly be for our customers, and it was a real privilege to meet so many young people who are also passionate about our vital local services. We are always eager to talk with our customers and to understand their wishes and needs. It is only by listening and talking in this way that we can make progress, so I was delighted to be part of an important event.”
Charlotte Smith, Youth Social Action Apprentice at Long Road Sixth Form College adds: “I was so impressed with the confidence of the students and their drive to make positive social change. I would like to thank Stagecoach East, Whippet, Stephenson’s, and the Mayor for cooperating and engaging in the event and with our students. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a productive relationship where all parties can continue to work together so students get their voices heard.”
