Stagecoach East is partnering with Somersham company Dews Coaches to allow for the continued running of the 904 rural service between Huntingdon and Peterborough.

Following the Cambridgeshire Rural Bus Summit, Stagecoach East has announced that Stagecoach buses will be in operation on the route, with drivers from Dews Coaches behind the wheel. All changes to the service are effective from 30 May 2023.

This partnership will allow the service to continue operating, with the route and timetable remaining the same for passengers.

As a result of the changes, only standard Stagecoach single and dayrider tickets can be purchased on the bus, whilst tickets for longer term travel, including flexi tickets and megarider tickets, can be purchased online or via the Stagecoach Bus app.

The national £2 bus fare cap will still apply to the 904 rural service and all valid Stagecoach tickets will continue to be accepted for travel.

Business development director for Stagecoach East, David Boden, said “Sourcing a solution to keep the 904 service running is a part of our commitment to the communities we serve.

“By working alongside Dews Coaches we can continue to offer regular bus travel to more customers in rural areas.

“This partnership marks a key step forward from the Cambridgeshire Rural Bus Summit and demonstrates an innovative way for bus operators to utilise transport resource within the region.

Simon Dew, managing director at Dews Coaches, said “We are passionate about keeping bus routes running within our local community.

“Enabling access to services and amenities, is vital in rural areas.

“When the opportunity to partner with Stagecoach East arose to keep the 904 operating, we recognised that a new way would benefit all. We are confident that this relationship will be a model for future solutions throughout the region.”

For more information on the service changes and to view timetables, visit: www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east/east-bus-network