Guest Blog: Dr Ian Murdey, GO Travel Solutions
When it comes to sustainable transport, collaboration really is the key to success. In West Northamptonshire, a unique partnership between the public, private, and community sectors is showing what can be achieved when everyone pulls in the same direction.
At this year’s National Modeshift Convention, Dr Ian Murdey from GO Travel Solutions will be sharing the story behind ‘From Patients to Saints: working together to increase bus patronage across West Northamptonshire’. He will present during the Public Transport session on Wednesday 26 November.
From Patients to Saints: How Partnership Working is Bringing More People Back to the Bus
‘Working alongside West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), Stagecoach, Northampton General Hospital, and Northampton Saints Rugby Club, the GO Travel Solutions team has been using Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding to explore how smart data, shared goals, and a bit of creativity can transform local travel.
This project has been one of the best examples we’ve seen of different industries, public, private and social enterprise, working together towards shared outcomes.
When we understand each other’s priorities, it’s amazing how quickly opportunities appear that benefit everyone — from hospital staff and patients to rugby fans and commuters.
Using a mix of travel surveys, bus stop audits, and postcode analysis through GO Travel Solutions’ own Travel Plan Tool, the team identified both current travel patterns and untapped potential. With that insight, they introduced targeted measures to close the gap between how people travel now and how they could travel more sustainably.
Projects that we’ll discuss at the Convention include:
- Northampton General Hospital – Growing bus use among staff and patients.
- Northampton Saints – Opportunities to increase bus use among season ticket holders.
Join us to hear how all parties feel that they can benefit from this style of working.
The results so far are encouraging, and the collaboration continues to grow.’
Don’t miss this session!
Bookings can now be made at cost here: National Modeshift Convention & National Travel Awards 2025 – but remember Modeshift Members get exclusive access, including one fully inclusive space as part of their membership and early bird discounts on additional tickets! Check your inbox for your unique booking link.
Book by Friday 14 November.
