We are pleased to be able to update students on the progress that we’ve made with Stagecoach.

Following a successful student-led campaign, positive talks have been taking place between the SU, the University and Stagecoach regarding the various concerns which have been raised over their service (as detailed at www.warwicksu.com/stop-stagecoach).

These talks have already yielded several positive outcomes. As we’ve already publicised, we have won students the right to replace lost or stolen bus passes, with the new process resulting in no unsuccessful applications thus far. If you have lost your pass, please keep your bus tickets used from when you lost it - this will give Stagecoach the assurance that your claim is genuine. If your application is still rejected, there is now an appeals process facilitated by the Students’ Union, the University and Stagecoach to determine whether or not the claim should be granted. This decision is final.

Secondly, we know that many students stay on or around campus to revise over Easter, fuelling demand for greater vacation provision. We are therefore pleased to announce that the U1 service will run on the same timetable as it does in term-time during the Easter break – meaning that buses are scheduled to run up to every 15 minutes. Please continue to use our online form to report any unsatisfactory service if you experience problems with the advertised bus frequency!

We also have good news on the recent route changes, in which it was announced that that U1 will no longer go through Sydenham. We have secured extra night-time buses for the 67 service which frequents this area, as well as a service which will visit Sydenham from campus at the very end of the night. These changes should come to into effect near the end of this term – however, we are aware that there is more campaigning to do on this front, and will continue to stand up for students and staff living in Sydenham.

We are still in talks with Stagecoach about updating their technology for payment methods and ‘smart’ bus passes. We hope this will be in place by the end of Term 2.

This marks a new and constructive relationship with Stagecoach which we hope will create a better service for students.  This is not the end of the campaign though, as we will still be working hard on students’ issues and needs when it comes to transport!

Liam Jackson (SU Education Officer) & Michael Kynaston (SU Democracy & Development Officer)