Surrey_Bus_Map_2019....
Download PDF [1 MB]
With the growing population in the Guildford area and environmental pressures it is highly likely the need to promote modal shift will be renewed once we have learned to live with the Corona virus.
The current bus network is centred on Guildford Bus station that is planned to be moved and resized as part of the North Street Development. This change is based on an acceptance of broadly the current bus network with services terminating in the town centre.
The development of new major sites e.g. Wisley, Weyside etc, new rail stations and a need to manage traffic congestion in the Guildford area will require new and upgraded services. Bus technology will also evolve with revised power sources and potential autonomous operation. Future bus services could look very different.
Bus technology is evolving with the help of substantial government funding. As an example Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced 6 January 2021 that Coventry and Oxford are developing proposals to become the first parts of the UK to run all-electric bus services. Subject to successful business cases, each area could be awarded up to £50 million to not only replace its entire fleet of buses with all-electric versions, but to also install new infrastructure, such as charging stations, and pay for electric grid updates.
The management of bus routes is led by Surrey County Council with input from Guildford Borough Council. Guildford Borough Council manage local car parking although some sites are still provided by Surrey County Council.
To shape a bus network for the future we need to consider the following:
> Smart Ticketing should this be introduced across local bus routes, local trains, bike schemes AND car parking to allow easy access to all transport modes and allow for differentiated pricing to promote modal change.
> Infrastructure needs to be provided for alternatively fuelled buses e.g. Charging Points for electricity (and hydrogen?)
> Should the New Guildford Bus Station be designed on the basis no internal combustion vehicles will use it. (Attached at the foot of this article is a link to the recent Arup report on Guildford Bus Station)
> Should more consideration be given to running buses across town e.g. Link Park and Ride sites to encourage commuters to park cars at Merrow and access employment at the Research Park.
> Better Bus Lanes
> New Services and Service patterns
It is unclear how and when this thinking will take place.
(The picture shows the old Onslow Bus Station in the centre of Guildford)
Electric Buses - Experience from Zurich View article
Other Towns and Cities can help inform how Guildford develops.
Zurich has an extensive Bus and Tram network which serves a population of 400,000 in the city and 1.3M across the wider Zurich Area.
They are moving to make the entire b... View article
Swindon Revising its Bus System - ideas ... View article
A Scheme with Relevance to Guildford
Swindon Borough Council has been awarded £25m funding, towards creating a Bus Boulevard Scheme, through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, which supports local areas’ plans to make the... View article
Guildford Bus Changes - Bus Service Impr... View article
There are two developments that are likely to impact the Guildford Bus System.
Short Term
Arriva have announced that they are withdrawing from serving the Guildford area and closing their bus garage on St Mary’s Rd. Surrey County Co... View article
Help us make Guildford better
We want our town to be vibrant, attractive and liveable. We support development that brings a sense of place and enhances the best aspects of our town. If such aims can be embraced, we believe Guildford has the chance to lead the way in enabling sensitive and sustainable development.
Pressures for development are increasing. Planning rules are being eased. The Society’s commitment to standing up for Guildford is needed more than ever.
Support Us
Getting involved allows the society to continue its work. We welcome new members, from every age and background. Membership provides an opportunity for you to contribute to the continued health of the town and surrounding area, and to meet other people who care about Guildford.
