‘Lifeline’ buses to be axed this autumn are revealed
Hundreds of vulnerable people across Bath are about to lose “essential” transport links, as First Bus implements massive cuts from Sunday, October 9.
The mayor of the West of England, Dan Norris, has learned that 18 bus services across the region have been confirmed to be axed from October with passengers from Bathampton, Twerton, the university and commuters from the Somer Valley worst hit.
The commercial services expected to be cut in the Bath area are: the number 22, University of Bath to Twerton; the 42 from Odd Down park and ride to the Royal United Hospital and the 171/172 Paulton to Bath.
The subsidised, or “supported”, buses set either for major changes or to be scrapped completely include: the 11 from Bathampton to Bath; the 12 from Haycombe Cemetery to Bath; and the number 20 University of Bath to Twerton.
Mr Norris revealed that there is also expected to be a new service: the 379 serving Bristol, Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Bath.
The long-feared announcement of which buses will be cut is expected officially next week following a major network review over the summer, with a public consultation exercise by the metro mayor.
Mr Norris, who heads the West of England combined authority (Weca), which is in charge of the region’s strategic transport, says his team “threw the kitchen sink at it but ultimately we need more bus drivers”.
Two problems are understood to have combined: while the number of individual passengers has recovered since the pandemic, the frequency of their journeys is still only at 75 per cent of previous levels.
At the same time, driver shortages mean the operators can’t run the services, even where financial support has been made available by the Weca.
“We are already working with the bus companies to identify new drivers, and to then recruit and train them,” Mr Norris said. “However, building up a resource of new drivers takes time.”
Labour group leader on B&NES Council, Councillor Robin Moss, said: “These are essential services for many people. They are a lifeline we cannot afford to lose.”
The Liberal Democrat leader of B&NES Council, Councillor Kevin Guy, wanted major reforms. He said: “I’ve had a productive meeting with the head of First Bus this week.
“However the local and national system for providing a sustainable bus network is not only broken but putting vulnerable people at risk. It is in need of radical reform now.”
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse said: “Residents have faced months of service cuts and ongoing uncertainty as the West of England combined authority and First Bus lurch from one unacceptable ‘quick fix’ to another.
“It’s clear that the basic model of bus funding needs a complete overhaul. I will take the matter up with the Secretary of State for Transport.”
The cuts will come into force on October 9.