Busway repair work frustrates Stagecoach boss

The guided busway runs services between St Ives and Cambridge on specialist tracks

A bus firm boss said he was "hugely" frustrated because essential maintenance works would cause disruption and delays in the coming weeks.

Stagecoach East operations director Ross Barton apologised to guided busway users in Cambridgeshire in advance of the works by the county council.

The authority said the work being done on the busway at Histon and Orchard Park was "vital".

A spokeswoman said buses would be diverted, but could still operate.

Stagecoach said between 6 and 18 November work would take place to rebuild the northbound Histon and Impington busway stop.

"In both directions, busway buses will need to divert along Station Road, Histon High Street, Park Lane and Gatehouse Lane," said a spokesman.

"It is anticipated that this will add 15 minutes to journeys at peak times."

Disruption 'significant'

Mr Barton added: "This work is hugely frustrating at a time when the busway is seeing such an increase in popularity and passenger numbers.

"Congestion already makes it so difficult to run services to schedule in Cambridge and we do appreciate that this maintenance work is essential, but that does not help our passengers.

"We apologise to our loyal busway customers for any delays to services that will be caused by this council's upgrade work."

He continued: "The busway is an essential part of the transport infrastructure and we hope that this work will be completed as soon as possible, because disruption looks set to be significant."

The council spokeswoman said: "This is vital work to ensure the busway can continue to operate and enable Stagecoach to provide their service on the busway.

"As the highway authority, we have a duty to ensure all our roads and the busway are maintained and work is carried out when needed."