Have your say to help save buses
Over August, Mayor for the West of England Dan Norris, is leading a public consultation on local bus services called “big choices on buses”.
The future of some local bus services remains uncertain due to rising costs, labour shortages and reduced passenger numbers arising from the pandemic.
The majority of services in Bath and North East Somerset are operated on a commercial basis by private bus companies, with only “supported” services contracted by the West of England Combined Authority, and paid for by local authority funding.
Given current high levels of inflation affecting both bus companies and the public sector, more services than ever are at risk of cuts and service reductions, and we are concerned at the difficult choices, for example between rural and urban services, that are being presented to decision-makers, and to the public as part of the survey.
Lib Dem councillors are working hard to secure both rural and urban community services across Bath and North East Somerset.
We have agreed future increases in the subsidy we pay, in line with inflation, and worked with neighbouring authorities to prevent services being lost as part of contract renewals.
And we call on government to provide sufficient funding to ensure buses remain an attractive and viable travel option for everyone, at this time of rising petrol prices.
I encourage all residents to take part in this consultation to show your support for local services as well as your priorities for the future.
You can do this online by going to: www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/ big-choices-on-buses.
The council will also be hosting an event to share further information in the consultation. Please look out for further details on our website.
Lib Dem councillors will continue to fight to support out local services and ensure that rural and urban community services are maintained alongside those deemed most profitable.
Councillor Sarah Warren Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, B&NES Council