Cango bus service between Alresford and Basingstoke saved (From Andover Advertiser)
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Cango bus service between Alresford and Basingstoke saved
10:00am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Basingstoke
A RURAL bus service running between Basingstoke and Alresford has been saved from closure by Hampshire County Council.
Doubt was cast over the future of the Cango bus when operators RJB stopped trading in January.
However, the council have stepped in to invest £123,000, which will see the service run for at least another four years.
It means that residents of rural areas such as Ellisfield, Farleigh Wallop and Cliddesden, which are all on the route, will be free to continue using the service.
Cango operates a flexible, not fixed route that allows users to book a journey at either ‘timed’ or ‘bookable’ stopping points. Any resident within the operating area can use Cango and passengers can also arrange to have it call at personal points, such as the pub, garage or shops.
The council will take temporary charge of the service, which also calls at Basingstoke Leisure Park and bus station, until Fleet Buzz takes over in April.
Councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for environment and transport, said: “Investment in community transport is important, particularly for those in rural areas where traditional bus services have been withdrawn by bus operators.
“In financially supporting the Alresford Cango, I am satisfied that the needs of the communities it serves will be met.”
