£1.6millon spent on buses but luke-warm response from residents

You may have already seen them ferrying people around town but Hastings now has 17 new state-of-the-art buses - introduced at a cost of £1.6million.
The single-decker Optare Solo vehicles are designed to provide easy access and have been introduced by operator Stagecoach to carry people on routes between Hollington, St Leonards, Ore and the Town Centre.

 

Passenger numbers in Hastings have risen by 15 per cent since 2004 when Stagecoach, which runs a fleet of 63 buses, last enhanced the service and the firm is hoping the new buses will encourage even more people to use public transport.

 

Stagecoach's regional managing director Phil Medlicott said: "The new buses, which have the most up-to-date engine technology to reduce emissions for the benefit of people outside, while comfortable seating, wheelchair and child buggy access, will be welcome features for passengers."

 

However, not everyone has welcomed the new vehicles. Some residents who The Observer spoke to this week complained that they are too small for the often busy routes and have less space for wheelchairs and pushchairs than the larger buses.

 

Tina Burnett, 58, of Tower Road West, St Leonards, said: "There is limited room on them, they're not big enough for disabled people and parents with young children.

 

"They try and get two wheelchairs or buggies on the bus but I've seen drivers turn them away because it's over-crowded.

 

"However, with the double-deckers, you could get more on."

 

Steven Bolton, 54, of Laton Road, was slightly more positive, but he still had reservations. He said: "They're very comfortable and clean but I think they're too small for Hastings, Ore and St Leonards.

 

"You see the elder people standing up when the buses are busy and that's not fair. It's something which Stagecoach need to look into."

 

Colin Hoad, 67, of 41 Ashford Way also thought size was an issue, saying: "They're very nice but first thing in the morning, it can get very tight so I would like to see them get bigger."

 

Catherine Bowden who lives in Bohemia Road, St Leonards, said: "There isn't a lot of room when the bus gets crowded and I imagine that disabled people and parents with young children will struggle when it gets busy, especially during rush hours."

 

Margaret Pursglove, 71, of Ellenslea Road, St Leonards. said: "They look good and they're new, so it's nice for the town but they get busy easily, so I think they need to make them larger."

 

On the positive side, Roy Tilley, 48, of Gensing Road believes that some good can come from them. He said: " I think it will help parents with young children and disabled people, and hopefully they will encourage more people to use public transport."

 

Rye & Battle Observer, 2nd April 2009