The 503 bus service, which connects Hambledon with Milford, Godalming and Guildford is safe – for the time being at least.

Earlier this year Surrey County Council conducted a wide-ranging review of the routes it subsidises, many of them in rural areas. Hambledon Parish Council and many of its residents responded to this, stressing how important the 503 is to the village.

SCC is now proposing specific reductions and cuts to some services in the county, beginning with routes operated by Abellio, Arriva and Metrobus companies. These changes are now being consulted on, with SCC due to make a final decision on June 23 and the revised services coming into affect on August 29.

None of these services are in the Waverley Borough Council area. Our turn will come.

If you want to see details of the current proposals, or comment on them, please click the following link:

https://www.surreysays.co.uk/e-i-directorate-programme-group/closed-copy-of-ltr

Over the next two years Surrey CC will look at other bus operators as their contracts come up for renewal, including Stagecoach which operates many of the services in the Waverley area, including the 503.  Further localised consultation is expected and proposals for cuts and/or reductions are likely to follow.

Surrey CC is looking to reduce the £8.9 million it spends each year subsidising bus services.

The 503 is Hambledon’s only public transport service, operating twice in each direction on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It provides a vital link for those without cars, often the elderly or infirm, to reach supermarket, banks and surgeries.

Hambledon Parish Council will continue to press for the retention of the 503 and will make sure that residents are aware of any future public consultation.