T3: use it or lose it?

The T3 bus runs from Grantchester to Fulbourn and is one of several routes subsidised by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, using the Mayoral Precept and regional funding. The purpose of the Tiger buses is to fill gaps in the normal commercial networks to provide connections between towns, villages and employment hubs.

Funding is assured until March 2027, but it is at risk if there is no evidence that the routes are being used. A local bus user recently spoke to a driver who said that if the passenger trend is not upward, it doesn’t have to spike, then it is likely that the service won’t continue. It will be categorised as “tried and underused”.

Although the T3 route doesn’t go directly into town, it connects to Trumpington Park & Ride for a direct bus into central Cambridge. Destinations include Scotsdales Garden Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Shelford railway station and post office, with the Library and Deli a short walk away, Babraham Road Park & Ride, and Arthur Rank Hospice nearby.

It needs to show it is needed and used. Outside of morning and afternoon rush hours, it is often empty. It would be a great shame if this service is lost through lack of use. View the T3 timetable online.