Hundreds Call for Improvements to Cheltenham-Gloucester Bus Service
More than 750 people have signed a petition calling for Stagecoach to undertake a full review of the 97/98 bus service connecting Churchdown, Innsworth, Cheltenham, and Gloucester. The petition was presented to Gloucestershire County Council at Shire Hall on 25 March.
Details
The petition was organised by Gloucestershire County Councillor Stewart Dove, who represents Churchdown and Innsworth, and Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Sarah Hands, who represents Innsworth and Highnam. They believe the current bus service is unreliable and does not adequately serve the needs of the local community.
According to the petition, changes made to the 97/98 route in September 2025 have significantly lengthened journey times, causing “annoyance and inconvenience for travellers on a daily basis.” The councillors state that the route changes were implemented without prior consultation with residents.
The petition calls for Stagecoach to work with council officers to ensure the 97/98 service meets the community’s needs, particularly with regards to connections to Cheltenham. It also urges the bus company to make “effective and sustainable changes to deliver a reliable service.”
What You Need to Know
– Petition organised by Gloucestershire County Councillor Stewart Dove and Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Sarah Hands
– Petition calls for Stagecoach to review the 97/98 bus service between Churchdown, Innsworth, Cheltenham, and Gloucester
– Over 750 people have signed the petition, which was presented to Gloucestershire County Council on 25 March
– Residents are concerned about the reliability and journey times of the service, which were impacted by route changes in September 2025
– The petition asks Stagecoach to work with council officers to improve the service and ensure it meets the community’s needs