Service 53 starts 1st June 2026 26/05/2026

Family owned Bedford bus company "Grant Palmer" has announced that it will run an hourly direct bus service from Wootton to Bedford, to replace the soon to be withdrawn Stagecoach 53 bus service, to start on 1st June. 

The bold move follows discussions between councillors representing Wootton and the locally owned bus company just last week. 

Director David Shelley said "I was approached by Bedford Borough councillors asking if we could help.  We had been surprised by the decision to withdraw the service in the first place, but the discussions with local representatives highlighted the specific issues."  

Local residents have been expressing concerns about the loss of bus links to a vital pharmacy in Folkes Road, to the nearby LIDL store, and longer journey times.  The new bus service will get passengers from Wootton to Bedford Town Centre in less than half an hour.  

Mr Shelley explained "Last year we were able to help by diverting our route 25 in Clapham, by working with the local councillor there . He approached us for help to replace the bus service in Highbury Grove that was going to be cut.  It is great to be able to help again, this time in Wootton".

  

Earlier this year, the company also took over service 41 between Bedford, Bromham and Northampton, and has seen growing passenger numbers on all its Bedford services during 2025 and 2026 so far. 

The Company is aware of problems elsewhere in the network, for example in Hillgrounds Road and Putnoe, where services are being cut. There have been discussions with Bedford Borough Council officials to see what can be done but Mr Shelley said the challenge was the number of areas affected by the changes next week.  "As a smaller business, there is only so much risk we can take in one go, but we will continue to have discussions and help where we can". 

There have been discussions with Bedford Borough Council officials to see what can be done to serve Hillgrounds Road and Martell Drive but our challenge is being able to deploy a replacement service for all areas affected at short notice. As a smaller business, there is only so much risk we can take in one go, but we will continue to have discussions and help where we can. 

We have reviewed patronage on service 53A and unfortunately there are not enough pupils travelling to allow us to continue the service. Our route past the Saxon Centre allows customers from Kempston to transfer on to service 53 for Wootton. 

Yes, all ENCTS bus passes are accepted on our buses. Bedford residents can travel for £1.50 before 09:30 on weekdays- please ensure you have cash as we are unable to accept card payment for this fare. 

Yes, we accept contactless payments, in fact we offer London Oyster style capped contactless fares. Just tap your card to the reader when you get on and on the reader when you get off. Your fare will automatically cap to the lowest amount, including our day, week and month caps. Find out more here. 

No, we do not accept Stagecoach tickets

During the £3 fare cap all fares are capped at either £2.40 within the Bedford Zone, or £3 within our Network Zone. Journeys between Bedford and Ridge Road are within the Bedford Zone and all other journeys are within our Network Zone. 

Folded bicycles are accepted at discretion of the driver. We cannot allow e-scooters or electric bikes onboard our buses due to insurance purposes. 

Yes, dogs are accepted at the discretion of the driver. Unaccompanied dogs must tender the correct fare. 

If you have any more questions use our FAQ or get in touch using the details here