Report a problem with a bus stop or bus shelter and apply for a temporary bus stop suspension

You can report a damaged bus stop or bus shelter online. Under the choose problem category, select buses. For problem type, select bus shelter or bus stop.

Report a problem with a bus stop or bus shelter

How to request a temporary bus stop suspension (for works by utility companies and private contractors)

You will need to apply for bus stops to be suspended to allow for works to be undertaken by utility companies and private contractors. From 1 November 2024 a mandatory charge will be levied, based on the type, number and duration of bus stop closures you require to carry out your works. Please note, this charge is separate to that paid to Streetworks to book roadspace and must be arranged directly with the Public Transport Team.

Please email public.transport@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk with the following required details:

  • contact name
  • telephone number
  • mobile telephone number
  • email address
  • company name
  • company address
  • invoice address
  • works address / site location
  • description of works, including number of bus stops requiring suspension
  • start date of works
  • end date of works
  • name and contact number for site contact during works
  • total amount payable, based on the below charges

Charges for closing a bus stop

Utility companies and private contractors must apply to the Public Transport Team in respect of bus stops that will be suspended for works to be undertaken.

This charge is being introduced from 1 November 2024 to cover the costs of the increased amount of administration surrounding bus stop suspensions, including liaison with bus companies and the installation of notices at stop, and applies to all works where 1 or more bus stops will be suspended.

Physical suspension of the stops is still to be carried out by the contractor wherever possible, following the guidance below. Applications to suspend bus stops will need to be made at least 10 working days in advance of the closure – applications made less than 10 working days in advance will be subject to a short notice charge, irrespective of whether the application is approved.

Charges

  • bus stop suspension: £220.30 per stop, per day, up to a maximum of £1,050 for seven days or more
  • short notice charge: £36.25 (irrespective of whether the application is approved) 
  • if you need us to provide temporary bus stop signs, an additional charge of £85.40 per stop will be required for the duration of the works
  • additional charges will be made to provide bus stops at additional temporary locations, for the duration of the work; this cost will be bespoke, and based on mileage to the work site from Dunstable, along with a rate of £50 per hour

Pay charge(s)

Once we've confirmed the fees, the contractor should provide payment.

Pay online

Other ways to pay

  • call our customer services team on 0300 300 8000
  • purchase order by return of email, so that we can invoice

Guidelines for those carrying out the work

  • barrier-off the stop(s) / shelter to discourage anyone from waiting and place a bus stop closed sign nearby that is clearly visible to approaching bus drivers, so they do not try to drop off
  • a bag (this can be just a bin bag) should be placed over the stop flag whilst the stop is out of use
  • a temporary bus stop sign should be placed a safe distance away, at a safe location, for passengers to wait at 
  • please ensure that your staff / contractors are aware that all materials used to suspend the bus stop must be removed following the completion of the works (previously, items have been left obscuring stop flags / timetables / shelters, temporary signs left up etc. which has caused confusion for bus drivers and passengers as to the status of the stop)

A further charge will be levied if complaints are received about the condition of a bus stop, following completion of works, or if one of our officers has to attend the site to remove materials that have been left there by contractors.