Rutland Flyer RF1 (Corby to Oakham)
The saga of the RF1 Rutland Flyer (Corby to Oakham) continues with a massive about turn from current operator Centrebus, who have decided they might like to continue operating the service after all!
You will remember that, in March, Centrebus gave notice to end their contract on 23 June and Rutland County Council put the service out to tender. Having received only one bid, from Stagecoach, the Council agreed to increase the subsidy for the service from £53,000 to a whopping £220,000 to keep it up and running. However, due to the considerably higher costs, the Council were looking to see if there was a more cost-effective way to deliver the RF1 service before they finally awarded the new contract. Centrebus have now renewed their interest and will continue to operate the RF1 service under an extended tender process until 6 July, when Rutland Council will consider all the bids received.
More information:
Rutland County Council website
Norhants Telegraph, 14 June: Save our buses: Twist in ‘bus wars’ saga sees operator keep hold of Corby service
No. 67 (Gretton to Market Harborough)
Meanwhile, a petition has been launched by Corby’s Labour Party representative Beth Miller to save the No.67 bus service (Gretton to Market Harborough), which ceased operation on 25 May following withdrawal of the Northants County Council subsidy. You can sign the petition by clicking on the link below. This move follows on from a community event held by Beth in Cottingham on 23 May.
The Parish Councils in the villages served by the No.67, including Cottingham and Middleton, have also approached Corby and Kettering Councils to see if they would consider subsidising the service so it can continue through to next year.
More information (NCC website)