Forum

At the Sandyford & Goldenhill Residents Association Public Meeting held at Goldenhill Community Centre on the 3rd April that questions to “First Bus” were asked, and the following answers were given.

Question You can now wait half an hour for the 103, 39A & 39 bus – Answer We acknowledge that some routes, including the 103 and 39 services, have seen increased waiting times during certain periods of the day. We are actively reviewing passenger feedback and service data to explore options for improving frequency and reliability where demand indicates the need.

Question A lot of the time you can find all the buses turning up at the same time – Answer Thank you for highlighting this issue. We recognise that bus bunching can occur, particularly during peak traffic hours or due to road disruptions. Our operations team is working closely with drivers and traffic management systems to reduce these occurrences and improve service spacing.

Question It was better before the bus timetables were changed because they used to arrive every 10 minutes, and it still says that on the side of First Buses – Answer We understand the concerns regarding timetable adjustments. Service levels were revised to reflect current passenger demand and operational constraints. That said, we agree clear and up-to-date information is essential, and we are working to ensure all signage is accurate and reflects the latest schedule

Question When will passengers with a free bus pass be allowed to get on a bus before 9.30 a.m. – Answer The current guidelines for concessionary travel before 9:30 a.m. are set nationally and aim to balance accessibility with budget considerations. However, we continue to raise this matter with policymakers and explore local initiatives that could provide more flexibility for eligible passengers, especially in areas where early travel is a necessity.

Question Are bus fairs going up again – Answer We understand that affordability is a key concern for many passengers. While fare reviews are sometimes necessary due to rising operational costs, we remain committed to keeping travel accessible and are actively looking at ways to minimize the impact on regular users, including discounts and travel passes.