Polly has attended the launch of the new Route 44 bus that will reconnect Ramsgate with Canterbury. The launch of the route marks the end of a successful campaign by Polly to get this vital bus link restored. The new Service 44 will launch on 20 September 2026.
The new service will connect Canterbury, Wingham, Sandwich, Cliffsend, Ramsgate and Westwood Cross, providing a direct link between communities that has long been a priority for local residents.
To mark the forthcoming launch, Polly visited Stagecoach’s Thanet depot, meeting the team behind the new service and welcoming the return of the direct Canterbury connection ahead of it launching across the local community.
Polly has campaigned for more than two years for a direct bus link between Ramsgate and Canterbury. More than 800 constituents backed her petition calling for the connection, while restoring the route was also identified as the top priority in her residents’ bus survey.
Polly said:
“There couldn’t be a better time to welcome the return of a direct bus link between Canterbury and South Thanet than Catch the Bus Month.
“For more than two years I’ve been campaigning for this connection because I’ve heard from so many local people about the difference it could make to their lives. More than 800 constituents backed my petition, and restoring the Canterbury link was overwhelmingly the top priority in my residents’ bus survey.
“I’ve spoken to people who have had to turn down jobs and training opportunities because travelling to Canterbury by public transport was simply too difficult or expensive. A direct bus will help remove one of those barriers.
“It was fantastic to visit the Thanet depot and see the new Service 44 ahead of its launch. I’m delighted that, after years of campaigning, this important connection is finally returning, and I want to thank Stagecoach for listening to local people and working with us to make it happen.”