Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) has moved closer to the launch of its new ‘Tiger’-branded bus route network, part of its plans to improve bus services in the region, with contracts awarded to bus operators. Funded by the region’s mayoral precept, the new routes will provide important extra connections to towns and cities for bus users across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
The initial routes will be Tiger 1 (Huntingdon to Cambridge), Tiger 2 and 3 (Cambridge north and south connections), Tiger 4 and 5
(Soham to Cambridge/Newmarket to Cambridge), Tiger 7 (Chatteris to Wisbech), Tiger 9 (Peterborough orbital) and Tiger 12 (Sutton to Longstanton park & ride). A standstill period for the tenders expired at midnight on March 17 for most routes, though that for the 4 and 5 was extended while a bidder’s query is addressed, and the Peterborough orbital service has yet to secure a suitable bidder, CPCA reports, meaning its contract remains unawarded.
The Combined Authority aims to launch the other Tiger routes in June. Tiger 1 will be operated by Whippet, routes 2, 3 and 7 by Stagecoach, and Tiger 12 by A2B. Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Nik Johnson said: “Securing these contracts is a big step forward in delivering better bus services for our region. We know how important these routes are to communities and we’re committed to getting every Tiger service up and running as soon as possible.”
