THE gap left by the cancellation of the number 38 bus between Whitehill and Liss Forest could be filled by a flexible small bus service if Hampshire County Council agrees and the funding can be found.
Representatives from Liss, Greatham, Hawkley and Selborne parish councils, East Hampshire District CouncilÕs transport officer Gwil Williams, and Chris Keech and Kevin Moger from transport company AMK met to discuss the results of the bus users survey and the possible provision of a flexible bus service to fill the gap.
Stagecoach withdrew the number 38 service between Petersfield and Whitehill at the beginning of June.
The county council stepped in to subsidise a service between Petersfield and Liss Forest until the end of October when it will be reviewed. There is still a gap between Liss Forest and Whitehill.
Mr Williams presented the results of the transport survey which showed that the loss of the service had led to some people suffering problems of isolation. Of the more than 200 respondents, 83 per cent said they would use a service between Whitehill and Petersfield and 90 per cent wanted a daily service.
The meeting noted the survey showed that more people used the service south to Petersfield than north to Farnham and Haslemere.
It was clear the service was missed and that there were difficulties getting to shops and banks, days out, to work and to doctor and hospital appointments.
It was agreed to investigate the usage of bus services by staff from the many residential and nursing homes in the area and the possibility of medical appointments being arranged at timetable friendly times.
AMK gave a short presentation on how the public transport provision for Liss and its neighbouring villages could be extended, which in turn would improve links for business, social and domestic purposes.
They suggested a flexible scheme that would be both hail and ride and a demand-responsive transport service, changing its mode of operation to suit passenger requirements at different times of the day.
Their example timetable showed a 16-passenger small bus covering a circular route between Petersfield, Liss, Liss Forest, Greatham, Blackmoor, Whitehill and Bordon. They demonstrated how runs could be arranged so that at certain times the route could take in either Hilliers Garden Centre or Hill Brow before reaching Liss.
The aim would be to provide a regular and reliable service using easily accessible vehicles with a wheelchair carrying capability. A pre-booking service would be open to all registered dial-a-ride passengers.
Funding could come from the Countryside Agency, Hampshire County Council and EHDC.
Those present agreed to ask for an early meeting with Hampshire county council to discuss the results of the survey, the lessons drawn from it and the possibility of providing a better service.