Plans to improve bus services in Hertfordshire, including in Stevenage and Hitchin, have been revealed.

They would see more regular buses at key locations, quicker journey times, and easier access to bus stops for pedestrians and cyclists.

It's all part of Hertfordshire County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan, for which they were awarded £29.7m by the government in 2022.

A consultation is currently open, with residents asked to give their thoughts on the proposals.

In Stevenage, major changes are proposed for the bus stop at Lister Hospital, turning it into a 'mobility hub' to improve access between buses, cycling, walking and taxis.

Currently, there are two stops but under the plans this would be expanded to three, with a different layout.

Bus shelters would be repositioned and upgraded to include information screens with real-time service updates and detailed route maps to other destinations. A new waiting area for buses would also be added.

The Comet: An additional bus stop will be ahead to Stevenage's Lister Hospital if the plans go ahead.An additional bus stop will be ahead to Stevenage's Lister Hospital if the plans go ahead. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

This would increase capacity, enabling the Stevenage to St Albans service to increase from once every 30 minutes to once every 15 minutes with the introduction of a new 725 service.

Passengers travelling between Stevenage and Hertford/Ware could also benefit, with the service stepping up from once an hour to once every 30 minutes with a new 907 service.

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There may also be a new seating area and increased cycle parking, while pedestrians and cyclists would be catered for with a new shared path, linking to the segregated cycle way being added to North Road.

Additionally, the taxi rank would be moved slightly to the east along Corey Mills Lane, adding to the available space for the bus waiting area. It is hoped that this change would make the bus and taxi areas more distinct.

In Hitchin, two separate projects have been proposed.

Firstly, on Queen Street, a new northbound bus lane could be introduced between Biggin Lane and Hermitage Road, with new traffic signals introduced at the Hermitage Road junction to give greater priority to buses.

The Comet: A new bus lane could be introduced on Queen Street in Hitchin.A new bus lane could be introduced on Queen Street in Hitchin. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

New, signalled pedestrian crossings could also be added to Queen Street - replacing an existing crossing - and Hollow Lane, making it easier to get to bus stops.

Modernised bus stops would provide information on real-time arrivals, while cycle lockers, Wi-Fi provision and additional seating may be added too.

The Comet: Another view of the proposed changes to bus services on Queen Street.Another view of the proposed changes to bus services on Queen Street. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

Secondly, a new southbound bus lane could be introduced on the A600 Bedford Road, from close to King Georges Park to the junction with A505 Fishponds Road, created by removing the central hatching and dedicated right-turn areas.

Two new signalled pedestrian crossing could be introduced too, just north of the junction with Bearton Road and south of Frank Young Court.

The consultation is open until Sunday, March 17, and four information sessions are being held on the plans:

  • St Mark's Church, Hitchin, March 4, 3.30pm-7pm
  • Lister Hospital Main Entrance Blue Zone (near WHSmith), Stevenage, March 6, noon-3pm
  • British Schools Museum, Hitchin, March 11, 3.30pm-7pm
  • Lister Hospital Main Entrance Blue Zone (near WHSmith), Stevenage, March 12, noon-3pm

You can have your say on the proposals here: http://tinyurl.com/mr49cpht