Bus services to be suspended

TWO Torbay community bus services launched in a fanfare of publicity just over 18 months ago are to be taken off the road because they are losing more than £1,000 a week.

The two routes are to be suspended for at least four months so they can be re-evaluated and additional funds can be found.

The services affected are the 60 and 65 which link Paignton with Torquay, Torbay Hospital and Torquay harbour.

Ourbus Torbay, part of the Torbay Community Development Trust, took over the routes in March 2017 because it recognised the community need.

But despite an optimistic launch attended by MP Kevin Foster, Torbay Mayor Gordon Oliver and local Torbay councillors, the services have run at a loss with nine out of ten passengers only paying concessionary fares.

Ourbus acting community transport co-ordinator Mike Norton said: “It is very sad, but the services have simply cost us too much to run. The Torbay Community Development Trust recognises the need, but it cannot go it alone.

“Despite Grant Funding of £95,000 from Torbay Council to purchase three buses, it is absolutely essential that others come forward to provide ongoing subsidy for this service.

“These services are a lifeline to some people in our community who rely on them to get out and about and cannot be sustained without additional ongoing funding.”

The services, which ran two hourly, relied on four full-time drivers and a host of volunteers, but in the first six months of this year have been plagued by a series of mechanical problems which have pushed up the running costs and led to losses of £25,000.

Torbay Community Development Trust lead officer, Simon Sherbersky said: “Torbay Community Development Trust is fully committed to trying to find a way to keep people connected, and it is with huge regret that we are suspending operations, while we try to find a financially sustainable way forward.

“We are predicting a £60,000 loss this year and we are not in a position to continue with the current approach, which puts our organisation at financial risk.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Swithin Long said: “This news will be devastating to many residents in the Watcombe ward who use the service to go to the hospital or to go shopping in town.

“During my by-election campaign last December, when the 65 bus was not running, I heard of a resident who collapsed walking home with their shopping. This is an example of the impact not having this bus service can have.

“Many of the residents who use this service will be elderly or frail so its suspension will hit the most vulnerable hardest.

“Myself and Liberal Democrat colleagues on Torbay Council will be asking questions and putting pressure on the council to work with other agencies to find a solution to this problem.”

The last services before suspension, until at least next March, will be Saturday, December 8.

‘We are predicting a £60,000 loss this year’