Proposed changes to bus routes spark opposition

Liberal Democrat councillors and the city’s MP are campaigning top rotect the route of the number 6 and 7 buses.

The two routes currently connect Fairfield Park and Camden to the train station and bus station where people make connections, but the proposed change will make the bus’ final destination on Grand Parade opposite the Empire Hotel.

One resident whose wife regularly uses the routes 6 and 7 said: “She relies on this service as she needs to get to Widcombe to see the doctor, and to the Royal United Hospital as the Mineral Water Hospital has moved there. We are told that we shouldn’t bring our cars into the centre and should use the bus service more to keep the air in our city clean.”

Making the route terminate at the Empire hotel will be an inconvenience to many older people and for some it will mean they miss their connections or will have to make the extra walk. There are particular concerns about the effect on disabled people and those who suffer with reduced mobility.

Bath’sdemocrat MP Wera Hobhouse and Walcot ward councillors Richard Samuel and Tom Davies, also Democrats, have voiced concern over its impact on those with less mobility. Additionally, students at Beechen Cliff School are missing their connection at the bus station. Both councillors have written to the managing director of First Bus.

“Residents are rightly concerned about the changes to the 6 and 7 buses and how this might impact people who are less mobile,” said Ms Hobhouse. “It’s also having an impact on school children. I know First Bus is struggling and that the Government is refusing to engage in any solutions but at the end of the day we need to stick up for the best interests of residents in Bath. I’ve raised this with First Bus and have set up a meeting.”

According to the Liberal Democrats, cuts to bus services in Bath have effectively been imposed by the Government who have not provided enough funding for bus companies badly hit by the pandemic. Services are facing a further hit in April.

A spokesperson for the bus company, First West of England said: “We have made changes to service 6 and 7 to provide a more robust and financially sustainable solution.”

“By terminating daytime journeys at Grand Parade, where most passengers already alighted, we have been able to reduce costs whilst limiting the customer impact. Any customers wishing to travel onwards do have a number of options from Grand Parade to the Bus Station with a regular connection available.”

“The change also means the services avoid the traffic congestion in Manvers Street, improving punctuality and reliability for all customers.

“Combined with the welcome financial support from the Combined Authority, these changes protect the services.”