Whippet Tweet cancellations take shine off Mayor’s ticket to ride

Whippet, who claim to provide a “friendly reliable bus services across Cambridgeshire” has taken the shine off a pledge by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson to double bus usage by 2030.

Mayor Johnson said today: “Better bus services across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are vital to the future of our region.

“As Mayor, it’s clear to me that the status quo is not an option, and that as a Combined Authority we’re best placed to lead on much-needed change.”

Due to operational issues we are unable to operate the 12:55 18 Cambridge to St Neots service.
We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.

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— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 22, 2023

However, his words had a hollow feel across parts of the county as Whippet once again took to Twitter to announce cancellations.

The following journeys won't be running today due to a vehicle issue – we're sorry for the inconvenience this will cause.

– 0940 Huntingdon to Cambridge X2
– 1003 Fenstanton to St Neots 66

All other buses are running.

— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 22, 2023

‘Operational issues’ ‘a vehicle issue’ and ‘last minute driver sickness’ have been stated by Whippet for some recent cancellations.

Due to operational issues the following services will not operate:
1320 66 Huntingdon to St Neots
1735 66 St Neots to Huntingdon

We are sorry for any inconvenience which this may cause

— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 21, 2023

Providing a reliable bus network for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a main plank of Dr Johnson’s campaign.

Due to operational issues the following services won't operate
1112 66 Godmanchester to Hinchingbrooke
1120 66 St Neots to Huntingdon
1132 66 Hinchingbrooke to Godmanchester
1212 66 Godmanchester to Hinchingbrooke
1232 66 Hinchingbrooke to Fenstanton

Sorry for the inconvenience

— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 21, 2023

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“Our ambitions are not modest, and nor should they be,” he said.

SERVICE UPDATE
Due to operational issues the following services will not operate:

0955 18 Cambridge to St Neots
1425 18 St Neots to Cambridge
1555 18 Cambridge to St Neots

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We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused

— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 21, 2023

“Through our network improvements, we want travelling by bus to become second nature for residents, with the aim of doubling usage region-wide by 2030.

Service Update
Due to last minute driver sickness the following will not operate

66 Service
0520 0550 0620 0650

0825 18 St Neots to Cambridge

We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused

— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 21, 2023

“To do this we first need to make services more convenient, more frequent, more reliable, and more affordable, and are hard at work on ways of delivering what I see as being essential, invaluable, and long overdue reform.

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“Whilst there are very appealing options available to us offering vastly more control over local services, it’s important to stress that there are no silver bullets when it comes to improving the bus network.

“That said, my view is that there’s a clear route ahead of us, with the Combined Authority now taking the necessary steps to find out whether ‘franchising’ or an ‘enhanced partnership’ can get us to a place where, as a region, as residents, and as an economy, we have the high-quality bus services we need, want, and deserve.”

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Service Update 20/08/2023
The following services will not operate
10:10 X3 Hunts – Cambs
11:35 X3 Cambs – Hunts
14:10 X3 Hunts – Cambs
15:35 X3 Cambs – Hunts
17:50 X3 Hunts – Cambs
19:20 X3 Cambs – Hunts
Sorry for any inconvenience caused

— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 20, 2023

The Mayor added: “As for next steps, we anticipate having completed the required preparations, including an independent audit of what’s known as the ‘Outline Business Case’, in time to launch what promises to be a major public consultation early in the New Year.

Service Update
Due to last minute driver sickness the following services will not operate

0531 X3 Papworth to Addenbrookes
0705 X3 Addenbrookes to Hinchingbrooke
0823 X3 Hinchingbrooke to Addenbrookes
0945 X3 Addenbrookes to Huntingdon

Sorry for any inconvenience caused

— Whippet (@GoWhippet) August 20, 2023

“In the meantime, I’ll continue to champion the better future I believe is possible and am determined as Mayor of our Combined Authority to stay the course in seeing it made real.”