A new bus service is set to allow Stevenage residents to head to Bedford for just £2.

The half-hourly service between Stevenage and Bedford will launch on Sunday, February 18, and will be run by Stagecoach East.

The number 9A/9B/9C/9D service will also stop at Hitchin, Ickleford, Arlesey, Henlow, Clifton, Shefford, Haynes, Cotton End and Shortstown. It is an extension of an existing service which currently runs between Bedford and Hitchin, without going onto Stevenage. 

The extended service is part of Stagecoach East's partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, and will be part of the national £2 fare cap scheme until at least June 2024 - meaning passengers can travel between Bedford and Stevenage for only £2 each way.

Darren Roe, managing director of Stagecoach East, said: “Bedford and Stevenage are two important towns in our region, both of which offer exciting opportunities for business, leisure, commerce and tourism.

"As such, we aim to tie them together, allowing residents and visitors to make the most of both great destinations, as well as the other places along the route.

“This is particularly important in view of the fact that there is no direct railway link between the two towns. So, there is a real need for a regular, reliable and affordable alternative.

READ MORE

“At Stagecoach East, we are proud to bring communities together. Putting in a new service to a new area involves significant investment in both money terms and also the experience and hard work of everyone involved, but it is important to us that we should continue with our fundamental mission.”

Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council, described the extension as "a very positive move", hence the decision to provide funding to support it.

He continued: “The new bus service will provide an important link within north Hertfordshire and beyond, connecting Stevenage and Bedford, two of the region’s key towns, and providing an important public transport link between the East Coast Main Line and Midland Main Line railways, as well as increasing the frequency of buses between Stevenage and Hitchin.

“We are committed to making Hertfordshire a cleaner, greener, healthier county and new bus services like this are at the heart of our plans to make public transport an even more practical option for our residents, making it easier for people to leave their cars at home.”

Councillor Myla Arceno, mayor of Stevenage, added: “It’s great news regarding the proposed bus route linking these key locations together.

"Increasing transport links is essential in boosting the economy and supporting our businesses through these challenging economic times.

"Stevenage has a wide variety of shops, plenty of activities and a packed schedule of events on offer throughout the year.

"These additional bus services will benefit the town, bringing in extra footfall and giving people the chance to come and join in the fun!”