Wadhurst Parish Council Opposes Suspension of Bus Service at Wadhurst Train Station
Wadhurst Parish Council (WPC) has recently been made aware by residents that the bus stop at Wadhurst Train Station for buses heading towards Tunbridge Wells has been permanently suspended. Passengers disembarking from trains are now required to walk approximately 0.8 miles uphill to the next bus stop.
Wadhurst Parish Council and local residents strongly oppose this change, particularly at a time when public transport usage is being encouraged. The lack of a readily available taxi service exacerbates the inconvenience.
The suspension is attributed to new barriers installed at the station car park entrance, part of an ANPR system for parking charges. These changes appear to have been implemented without considering their impact on the bus service. Additionally, the bus timetable has never been aligned with the train timetable, contributing to underutilization of the bus service.
Despite the suspension, the bus stop will still be used for rail replacement buses, raising questions about why regular buses cannot continue to use it.
Whilst WPC were not consulted on the changes, having been made aware, Wadhurst Parish Council have taken the following actions:
- Communication with ESCC: WPC has written to East Sussex County Council (ESCC) elected representative, Cllr Bob Standley, who also opposes the change and will be making further enquiries.
- Engagement with Bus Rail Improvements Team: WPC has contacted the Bus Rail Improvements team at ESCC.
- Collaboration with South East Community Railway Partnership: WPC has reached out to their representative, who is also against the change and will be preparing a case for reconsideration.
Wadhurst Parish Council remains committed to advocating for integrated public transport solutions and will continue to work with relevant authorities to address this issue.
Wadhurst Parish Council (24th July 2025)
Contact: clerk@wadhurst-pc.gov.uk