Concern after Gosport bus route is axed and combined with another service
Concern over changes to the bus route
Gosport’s MP has called for an urgent meeting with First Bus following the news the 9A bus route is being axed.
Caroline Dinenage has express concern over the withdrawal of the service from Fareham to Gosport which takes a slightly different route to the 9 service through Rowner. The 9A travels via Rowner Road, Grange Road and Nimrod Drive which the 9 takes St Nicholas Avenue.
A spokesperson for First Bus has said that the decision was taken after a review showed that the usage of the 9A route was “very low”, and said that combining it with the 9 service will improve the frequency of its service.
They said: “Trips on the 9A will now be added into our 9 service, creating an improved frequency with buses running every 20 minutes between 7am and 7pm from Sunday 7 June. This maintains connections, enabling customers to make journeys but using different stops.
“A comprehensive review of customer travel patterns has shown the 9A continues to experience very low passenger use. This includes the availability of the Eclipse express service using stops near to the route. We have therefore chosen to withdraw the 9A.
“The Eclipse E1and E2 service will also have enhanced frequency on Sundays.”
However, the MP has asked for a meeting with First to discuss the impact of the decision.
In a statement shared on social media she said: “While I welcome any increase in frequency on Service 9, I know residents may remain worried about the loss of the 9A.
“I’m keen to understand the scale of this issue and the impact this could have on those who rely on it. Please share your thoughts below or by emailing my office on caroline.dinenage.mp@parliament.uk.
“I have requested an urgent meeting with senior management at First Bus to discuss residents’ concerns, it would be helpful to have a clear picture of the impact of this decision that I can share with them.”