STAGECOACH has introduced a major shake-up of bus timings and routes in Andover to ‘enhance service frequency and coverage’, but some of the changes have not been well-received by the residents.

The changes, scheduled to start from September 1, will see some services run every 20 or 30 minutes, but they will not cover certain areas in Andover previously served. 

The overhaul is part of Stagecoach’s introduction to a new town network with a focus on increased frequency, especially during early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

It said the adjustments are part of a broader initiative funded by the Government Bus Service Improvement Plan in collaboration with Hampshire County Council.

Despite the intent to improve services, some residents feel the changes are inconvenient and disruptive and it would leave them feeling isolated.

People have complained about Stagecoach axing direct buses from Augusta Park to Andover railway station and changes that will see the re-routing of the 76 bus, which takes passengers from around Andover, including the bus station, to Basingstoke.

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Augusta Park resident Richard Hall said: “I currently use the Number 6 Service to travel to and from Andover train station in the morning and evening. It’s a half hourly service that does three loop trips in the morning and three in the evening. This service has been cancelled and replaced by one that doesn’t attend the rail station.

“Stagecoach’s view is that the serving of rail stations is a “niche” service and a nice to have rather than something that is a primary requirement. 

“It’s been clear from their takeover of the service that they really have had little focus on this.”
Andover resident Rosemary Bavister said she is upset over the removal of the London Road stop on the 76.

“I am very concerned that we will now have to rely on a car to get to Basingstoke. I have used this service to get the bus to Basingstoke for trains to the airport, shopping, visiting my relatives and friends in Whitchurch and Overton,” she said.

Ms Bavister, who lives in Springfield Close, added: “I understand the service will use the ring road but the other side of town is already able to use the train service and has an easier walk into town.

“We have a big hill and walking home from work each day is quite steep. I work for a company that has no parking and at almost £6 a day for parking sometimes. I can’t afford to do this so I walk but it is a 20-minute walk each way which as I get into my 70s and 80s will possibly become a struggle.”

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Others have also shared their concerns about the changes with the Advertiser and the impact the new network will have.

Borough councillor Iris Andersen also criticised the re-routing of service 76, saying residents of London Road needing to visit Basingstoke Hospital or commute to school will be impacted.

“This does not make sense at all where they are changing this route,” said Cllr Andersen.

“Don’t get me wrong, well done to Stagecoach for improving the frequency. But the concern is it doesn’t appear that they consulted with passengers before bringing these changes.

“The residents of Admirals Way or London Road will have to catch another bus to go to the bus station to catch the number 76. Not everybody is able to walk where they want them to. The route they are using has no bus stops whatsoever.”

In response to the criticism, a Stagecoach spokesperson said: “We’re making a number of changes to buses around Andover and North Hampshire this September. Service 76 from Andover and Whitchurch to Basingstoke is enhanced to run up to every 30 minutes, including new journeys earlier in the morning, later in the evening and on Sundays. 

“At the same time, we’ll change our route within Andover to run via Churchill Way rather than London Road.  This will reduce trip time for customers travelling longer-distance to Basingstoke and allow us to pick up new customers at new stops on Churchill Way for residents in the Pilgrims Way and Vigo Road area.

“We’ll be running extra buses along London Road with our new service 2 from East Anton, alongside service three from Picket Twenty. These routes will provide five buses an hour to and from Andover bus station and town centre, for connections to our other services.”

Following are the major changes:

  • Service 1 to Kingsway Gardens: Links King Arthurs Way, Roman Way, and Cricketers Way to the town centre. Buses will run every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays.

  • Service 2 to Augusta Park: Replaces service 6, running every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays, with a new route through Bridge Street, London Road, and Finkley Down Farm.

  • Service 3 to Picket Twenty, Charlton, and Saxon Fields: Buses will run every 30 minutes daily. Some trips will cover Andover Railway Station and Hospital.

  • Service 4 to Picket Piece and The Drove: Replaces services 13/13A, running every hour. The route includes a bus for John Hanson School students but will no longer serve Vigo Schools.

  • Activ8: Increased frequency between Andover and Salisbury, with buses running every 20 minutes on weekdays.

  • Service 75: Replaces service 85 to Winchester, running every hour and providing better connections.

  • Service 76: Enhanced to run every 30 minutes on weekdays with new late-night and Sunday services.

You can see all the bus service changes on Stagecoach website: stagecoachbus.com/service-updates