X1

Stafford University has resolved to ensure that its Stoke based students receive all their tuition on campus in the new academic year. They will not therefore need to travel to and from the Staffordcampus. Bakerbus have been advised of this change and are seeking to deregister the bus. The procedure set by the traffic commissioners is that there should be a 56 day consultative period before any change can be made. No change can be made to a service without traffic commissioner agreement. The County Council is aware of the importance of of the X1 service to Barlaston and this has been emphasised/underlined with the recent changes to the 350/X5.

At this time there have been no negotiations between the bus company and the County Council. This is a situation that needs to be closely watched because the X1 is well used locally both to Stone/Stafford and Hanley. Although it is well used by residents, it can not be assumed that the current level of passenger traffic would make the route economic so some reduction can be anticipated.

It is thought that the reductions could be minimised to some extent if utilisation was increased. It might be worth while on occasions considering leaving the car in the garage and taking the bus to Stone or Hanley. It is an hourly service at the present time