With reference to the Hampshire Chronicle, dated August 30. May I contribute further on the subject of bus service provision and the changes affecting route 69 in Winchester?
The decisions made do not meet the needs of passengers, particularly the retired population. It reflects a shameful, pathetic, and disgraceful ignorance on the part of Stagecoach and Hampshire County Council.
As a result of changes in the law affecting older car drivers, which will become evident in the coming months, many of the decisions regarding bus routes in Winchester are already outdated.
Changes that divert route 69 onto the M3 between junctions 11 and 10 are completely nonsensical. In effect, the 69 will now bypass most of Winchester, depositing passengers at Broadway at the bottom of the city centre. This will leave them to fend for themselves in reaching their destinations. All for the sake of saving a few minutes, that will be more than lost every time there is a hold-up on the M3, puzzling!
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The passengers will derive no benefit from this mindless act of vandalism. However, this will likely give a boost to the taxi trade.
Route 69 is the only public transport lifeline connecting communities from Twyford to Wickham and is there to serve all those people in society who, for whatever reason —physical or financial —are unable to sit behind the wheel of a motor car. It previously provided connections with the facilities in the city.
The route, which came a long distance to Winchester, needed to be revised to make it more user-friendly, so that it connected with the Royal Hants County Hospital, as well as the railway station. This would typically be the case in any city bus route planning; however, this has been historically absent in Winchester!
Whoever is responsible for this crass decision to bypass the city centre fails to understand the basic principles of running public transport, which is the need for convenient, reliable, regular, seamless travel connections. Connections are more important now than ever before.
If, as it appears, the 69 receives public funding, then its existence should be to route it to provide maximum support and benefit to the public through accessibility and connections. In the process, growing the patronage by serving the needs of the majority. In bypassing Winchester, it fails on all counts. How on earth can this change be justified?
A very important factor that both HCC and Stagecoach are overlooking is that, from September 1, 2025, the over-70s will need to provide a health certificate from their GP, along with an eye test certificate, when applying to renew their driving licence.
Self-certification, as in the past, will no longer be allowed when completing a driving licence renewal application.
In the UK, there are approximately 6 million drivers over the age of 70. It is likely that 25% or more will now lose their driving licence. This would result in 200,000 extra drivers in Hampshire, now relying on bus services.
Many will be living along the cord between Twyford and Wickham served by the 69 and are going to need to rely on the route. Route 69 will be their lifeline.
Many may be unwell or have mobility problems and will likely have hospital appointments to attend or require onward travel by train from Winchester. Now that they are no longer able to drive their car, the 69 will need to be routed accordingly to provide for the essential connections.
To provide for this, the 69 will need to be rerouted through Badger Farm Road or Stanmore Lane, if it is to provide a seamless connection with the hospital, Winchester Railway Station, St Cross, the theatre, and cinema, as a bus route should.
H R Harwood
Hackworth Gardens,
Hedge End
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