The new X1 service has become operational today. It is basically a two hourly service between Stone and Hanley. It is being funded by London Midland Railway and its operation seems to be secure for the foreseeable future.
In conversations with staff at the transport section of Staffordshire County Council the following points were made:-
– There is a need to look at the X1 and X5 service together to ensure that they are working to the best advantage with the resources available.
– There are ongoing discussions with the operators of the 101 to coordinate the use of tickets between Barlaston and Stafford
– There are discussions with Bakers to see if the timing of the last X1 to Hanley can be moved from 5.50pm to 6.10pm so that a better connection can be made with trains from Stoke to Stafford.
Bill Cash MP has made strong representations on our behalf to the Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University about retaining the full X1 Service but it is evident that the service does not meet the needs of the University any more.
The bus company and SCC have a lot of information about utilisation by villagers. We will be in a better position to retain the new services for the future if they are better used.
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