I recently met Peter Shipp of East Yorkshire Motor Services to discuss the changes to bus services in the Goole area. Residents have been particularly concerned about the changes to the 156/155 bus, with people expressing disappointment of the loss of a direct link to Goole Hospital.

Peter explained the changes to me in some depth and also provided me with the usage numbers for this service, explaining that the the 156/155 route between Goole and South Cave has lost money for some time.

Peter did explain that EYMS responded to this by extending the express services X55 and X56 which does provide a faster link between Goole and Hull, taking in many local villages along the way. I was told that due to timetabling it is not possible for this route to service the Hospital due to the added time that would be needed in the timetable. The extension of the express services is something of a gamble for EYMS and it is therefore important that, like with all bus routes, we try to support it as best as possible. It really is a case of use it or risk losing it.

My concern remains patients who may wish to get to the Hospital which is why I want to raise awareness of the East Riding's Medibus for Goole. This service operates on a Monday and Wednesday and can be used by patients and visitors alike. It is a pre-book service operating between 08.30 and 3.00 on those days and offers transport to both Goole and Scunthorpe hospitals.

The bus is open to all but the service is free to over 60s with a concessionary pass so long as they travel after 09.30. If anyone wishes to know more I would urge them to call the Medibus information line on 08456 445959.

Photo - Myself and Petet Shipp discussing the new timetables.