Changes to Stagecoach routes 71 and 72 Bedford-Hitchin

[PeterJW]

These changes, from 30 Dec, have been well-publicised through the Stagecoach website but there may be potential for confusion among some passengers.

71 is replaced by 9B and serves Haynes, Henlow Village then Henlow Camp. 72 is replaced by 9A and serves Arlesey, Some bus stops along the routes show new timetables. Most bus stop flags now show '9' rather than 71 or 72 or 71,72 but not 9A or 9B. 9 runs only between Bedford and Shortstown. Bus stop flags between Shortstown and Hitchin do not distinguish between 9A and 9B where the routes diverge. 9A and 9B will run via Elstow Road and Mile Road and will not serve London Road but will serve New Cardington. On 17 Dec the bus stops along London Road showed 71,72 replaced by 9. By 19 Dec the 9 had been covered by white tape.

The first morning Hitchin-bound 71 service is due at Henlow Camp at 07.23 which is ideal for civilian staff who start work at 07.30. The first 9B service is not due at Henlow Camp until 07.37.

[John Yunnie]

Interesting to see the use of "A" and "B" numbers.  Here on the Isle of Wight we have three major routes (1,7 and 9) that split and go completely different ways for part of the journey.  Our Bus and Rail Users' Group has been pressing Southern Vectis for a long time to distinguish between the differences by use of 1A, 7A and 9A but are constantly told that to do so would be old fashioned and is unnecessary.

[Suzy Scott]

[quote au"thor=John Yunnie link=topic=717.msg2072#msg2072 date=1545682039]
Interesting to see the use of "A" and "B" numbers.  Here on the Isle of Wight we have three major routes (1,7 and 9) that split and go completely different ways for part of the journey.  Our Bus and Rail Users' Group has been pressing Southern Vectis for a long time to distinguish between the differences by use of 1A, 7A and 9A but are constantly told that to do so would be old fashioned and is unnecessary.
[/quote]

But then Stagecoach East don't bother with more than a couple of busway "numbers"....