Cambridgeshire County Council Monthly Report January 2026 – Cllr Luis Navarro
Bus Service
Although responsibility for local bus services now sits with the Mayoral Combined Authority (CPCA), their reliability and accessibility remain a significant concern for residents in Over. Encouraging greater use of public transport and active travel is essential for a growing community and brings wider environmental and public health benefits.
On Friday 17 January, I met with officers from the CPCA and Stagecoach to discuss practical ways to improve services and make buses a more attractive option for residents. While it would be difficult to introduce new services or major changes during the current fencing works, the discussions were constructive. A number of proposals are now being explored and could be trialled once these works are completed.
Longstanton Bridge – Safer Access for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Residents have helpfully shared information regarding the ownership of land adjacent to the path behind the Norman Way Industrial Estate, which affects proposals to improve access at Longstanton Bridge (also known as ‘Windmill Bridge’). This project is currently under review, and I have passed the relevant details to Cambridgeshire County Council officers so that the necessary technical and legal assessments can progress.
Combined Authority Update – Tiger Pass
The Tiger Pass, which allows young people to travel by bus for £1 per journey, is currently funded until March 2027. Its continuation beyond that date is uncertain, particularly in light of the planned removal of the national bus fare cap in April 2027.
Initiatives such as the Tiger Pass, along with local service improvements, are all part of a wider effort to promote and embed a strong culture of active travel and public transport across our communities.
Cambridgeshire Roads in Winter
Road conditions across Cambridgeshire are currently under pressure due to an unusually high number of potholes. Cold weather has caused earlier‑than‑expected surface break‑up, particularly on older roads. The County Council has responded by increasing the number of repair crews from 10 to 16 (normally 6), alongside weekly multi‑agency meetings to better coordinate repairs, inspections and traffic management. Highway inspectors have also been deployed more widely to prioritise safety‑critical defects and respond as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that, overall, road maintenance across the county is improving at a good and steady rate. However, seasonal weather extremes continue to present challenges, and some areas are affected by long‑standing issues associated with roads built on peat and softer ground, which are more vulnerable to movement and surface failure. These factors mean that repairs in some locations are more complex, but they are being actively managed as part of the Council’s long‑term highways investment and maintenance programme.
