PRESS RELEASE
Guildford Vision Group (GVG) says its proposal for a new East/West crossing from York Road to Guildford Park Road would offer possibly the best option for bus travellers in the centre of town by freeing up Onslow Street for comprehensive bus halt facilities.
GVG generally supports the bus halts policy proposals on the agenda for the Guildford Borough Council
(GBC) Executive meeting on Tuesday 3 January 2017.
However, GVG reiterates that the East/West crossing enables Onslow Street to provide replacement
interchanges in close proximity to the existing bus station. The bus station is due to close to allow the
huge North Street scheme to get underway.
John Rigg, Chairman of GVG, adds: “We support on-street bus halts, and all moves to provide a
comprehensive bus service, both to and across our town. With all the major developments looming,
such as Dunsfold, Gosden Hill Farm, Wisley and elsewhere, buses must provide a real and attractive
alternative to car usage.
“The new crossing proposed by GVG, as well as giving the centre of Guildford back to people, frees up
Onslow Street for bus halts right by the Friary, along with a more attractive, ‘active’ frontage.
Covered facilities would be possible.
“Furthermore the crossing enables the railway station, on both sides of the track, to provide a proper,
coordinated transport interchange. This is vital if our infrastructure is to catch up, let alone cope, with
the inevitable population growth in and around Guildford.”
The GBC bus options, if approved, will go out for public consultation during January.
Separately, GVG remains concerned to see that the Council is getting quality and value for money from
its transport consultants.
In the long-winded document supporting the agenda item there are some
puzzling options investigated for a new bus station. These include demolition of Debenhams for a
riverside garage and a bus station on Bright Hill!
GVG thus urges councillors to give a ‘reality check’ on value for money and the quality of reports.