FAQ2021-03-04T13:21:09+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Chatterbus side with passenger wearing mask

FAQ

Will Chatterbus be able to run if the driver reports in sick?2022-01-20T09:50:35+00:00

A replacement driver will be available so the bus should run as normal.

Why is the service called Chatterbus?2022-01-20T09:50:40+00:00

It was named to reflect the friendly, community aspect of the service.

Can I get involved with the Chatterbus company?2022-01-20T09:50:59+00:00

Please contact us by emailing info@chatterbus.org.uk.

If I miss my morning train connection because the bus is late do I get a ticket refund?2022-01-20T09:50:51+00:00

This is not normally the case on any bus service. You should look in advance at the Chatterbus Tracker page on this website to see where the bus is.

Who is East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership? How is it different from Chatterbus CIO?2022-01-20T09:51:01+00:00
  • Chatterbus CIO (previously known as Cobham Community CIC) is the group of local people who have got together to form and manage this new service for the community.
  • ESRTP is the professional bus company appointed to operate the bus service by Chatterbus CIO. The company operate several other bus services in Surrey and was chosen after comparing several other bus operating companies.
  • The two organisations conform to the same principles.
Who are the Chatterbus sponsors and what do they contribute?2022-01-20T09:51:10+00:00

The sponsors are named on the bus and on the website. The amount they have contributed is commercially sensitive

Why is the service not operated by the local council, in the same way as other services?2022-01-20T09:51:53+00:00

Chatterbus is a local initiative, and it is more flexible than if it were operated by Surrey County Council.

Are there plans for more Chatterbus services in the area?2022-02-07T04:03:20+00:00

Not at present – we must see how successful these busses are first!

Will there be Wi-Fi Internet access on the bus?2022-01-20T10:07:02+00:00

No.

Who should I talk to about my experiences using Chatterbus, good and bad?2022-01-20T10:07:06+00:00

Please send an email to info@chatterbus.org.uk, or speak to the driver.

Is Chatterbus a no-smoking area?2022-01-20T10:06:56+00:00

It is. No smoking is permitted on the bus.

What happens if the bus is full and I can’t get on?2022-01-20T10:06:49+00:00

We do not envisage this arising, but we continuously review usage and will consider adapting the service to provide the best service.

Can I bring pets on Chatterbus?2022-01-20T10:06:39+00:00

Only at the bus driver’s discretion. Please ask when boarding the bus.

Will there be standing room on Chatterbus?2022-01-20T10:06:35+00:00

No – standing is not allowed.

What is the passenger capacity of Chatterbus?2022-01-20T10:06:29+00:00

Chatterbus is licensed for 16 seated passengers.

Are prams and wheelchairs possible during rush hours?2022-01-20T10:06:25+00:00

Yes, at the discretion of the driver

How many prams or wheelchairs can Chatterbus accommodate at one time?2022-01-20T10:06:19+00:00
  • There is a small amount of space at the back of the bus for folding buggies, shopping trollies etc, but this space is limited.
  • Specifically, the bus can accommodate one wheelchair or unfolded pram. The number of folded buggies are at the discretion of the driver.
Will the Chatterbus timetable be reviewed to consider locations where it currently does not visit?2022-01-20T10:06:15+00:00
  • The timetable will be reviewed regularly, and requests for additional stops and other changes will be considered.
  • Please give us your suggestions via our email info@chatterbus.org.uk.
Can I check before I travel to see if Chatterbus is running on time?2022-01-20T10:06:11+00:00
  • You can look at the Chatterbus Tracker page on the website to see where the bus is. You can even see what speed it is travelling at!
  • Details for access through desktops, Tablets and Smart phones are on the website.
The proposed timetable will not enable pupils of Cobham Free School to use the bus. Would you consider revising the timetable?2022-01-20T10:06:05+00:00
  • Public services do not accommodate Cobham Free School, but Chatterbus runs a “closed” service from Oxshott and Stoke D’Abernon to Cobham Free School.  Please email us at info@chatterbus.org.uk for further information.
Will there be a reduced fare for Brooklands College students and apprentices?2022-01-20T10:05:56+00:00
  • This is under review to see if there is a need for it. We would like to hear from those interested via the email address on our website.
Could Chatterbus divert via Whiteley Village?2022-01-20T10:05:52+00:00

We review our services at regular intervals, but there is no immediate demand for this service at the moment.

Does Chatterbus stop at Silvermere?2022-01-20T10:05:45+00:00

If you would like to get off the bus at Silvermere, please speak to the driver; there is room in the entrance if there is a need but you will have to be visible to the driver and it must be safe for him to stop.

Does Chatterbus visit the Sainsbury’s Superstore on Bridge Way?2022-01-20T10:05:37+00:00

Yes, it is one of our most popular destinations.

Can I pick up Chatterbus on the Northfield Estate?2022-01-20T10:05:30+00:00
  • No, but there are bus stops by the fire station and opposite.
Are there any timetable differences for school holidays?2022-01-20T10:05:28+00:00
  • The changes are noted on the C1 and C3 timetables by NS beside the time shown.  C2 is not affected.
Can I ask for the bus driver to stop away from a bus stop so I can get off?2022-01-20T10:05:19+00:00

At the bus driver’s discretion – unscheduled stops will depend on whether the service is running to time and on traffic conditions.

Can I hail Chatterbus?2022-01-20T10:05:15+00:00

Hailing Chatterbus is possible, but only on roads with no designated bus stops such as Downside Road and Freelands Road to Lockhart Road. Stopping to pick up passengers on these roads is entirely at the discretion of the bus driver, who can stop only if it is safe to do so.

Does Chatterbus stop at all the bus stops on the route, or just the ones in the timetable?2022-01-20T10:05:08+00:00

The bus will stop at all recognised bus stops on the route, if requested to do so. The bus stops will have a C1/C2/C3 identifier and in many cases a timetable on display as well

Will the bus wait at the station if train services are delayed?2022-01-20T10:05:02+00:00

At the driver’s discretion and depending on the traffic the bus will wait for a few minutes.

If there is a traffic jam towards the station along the Stoke Road can the bus deviate down either Vincent Road or Tilt Road?2022-01-20T10:04:56+00:00

This will be at the driver’s discretion and he could take an alternative route so long as he does not miss any bus stops where passengers are likely to get on or off the bus. There is some flexibility in the timetable to allow for traffic problems.

What other services does Chatterbus connect with, and where?2022-02-07T04:05:37+00:00

In Cobham, it connects with

408 Leatherhead to Epsom service

513 Kingston Service

715 to Guildford and Esher

Are timetables available at the bus stops on the route?2023-07-18T07:50:51+00:00

Yes, they are. And don’t forget about our Chatterbus Tracker to find out where the bus is at any time.

Do you offer group ticket discounts?2022-01-20T10:03:35+00:00

No. Chatterbus does not offer group ticket discounts.

Can I get a concessionary fare to take my child to school on the bus during school travel times?2022-01-20T09:54:18+00:00

Not unless you are disabled, but you can buy a weekly season ticket for £12 which is extremely good value. If you are entitled to a concession you can use that after 09.30.

Can I share my season ticket with a family member or friend?2022-01-20T09:54:10+00:00

No, Chatterbus season tickets are not transferable.

Can I buy return tickets?2022-01-20T09:54:02+00:00

Not at present

Do season ticket holders get priority over non-season ticket holders if the bus is full?2022-01-20T09:53:10+00:00

No, all Chatterbus passengers always receive equal priority.

Are there season tickets available for regular users?2022-01-20T09:53:04+00:00

Yes – please see our fares page.

Can I buy tickets before I board the bus?2022-01-20T09:52:59+00:00
  • Yes, you will be able to buy one week season tickets on line for adults £12 and children £3. Weekly tickets will provide unlimited journeys.
  • Season tickets will also be available from the driver.
Do normal bus fare concessions apply?2022-02-07T04:01:13+00:00

Only after 9.30 unless you have a disabled pass or a student pass

Will the drivers give change?2022-01-20T09:52:18+00:00

Yes they will.

How do I pay for my ticket?2022-02-07T04:01:39+00:00

You can use a debit or credit card or cash

Can I buy a ticket on the Chatterbus?2022-02-07T04:02:44+00:00

Yes, please pay the driver using a card or with cash. Click here for our detailed fares page.

Support Chatterbus

We are always in need of financial support to keep Chatterbus running for Cobham, and of
volunteers to help in way they can with fundraising events.

LET’S GO!

Our Local Sponsors

Chatterbus could not run without the help of our four Principle Sponsors – Elmbridge Borough CouncilSurrey County Council, Walton Charity and PA Housing. We are also very grateful to our fantastic Sponsors Co-op, Levanter Developments, Grosvenor Billinghurst, NFU Mutual, Specsavers, South West Railway and Waitrose.

And we owe a great debt to all the local organisations and bodies whose donations help us to run this important service – Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust, Cobham and Downside Residents Association, Cobham Chamber of Commerce, Cobham Garden Club, St Andrew’s Church – Cobham, St Mary’s Church – Stoke D’Abernon, Stoke D’Abernon Residents Association.

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