Express bus saved as subsidy is agreed
AVITAL bus service has been saved at the last minute despite a catalogue of issues including antisocial behaviour and driver shortages.
The X1 service is the only express service from Runcorn to Liverpool and was due to be stopped from this weekend.
But Merseytravel and Halton Borough Council have agreed to subsidise the X1 service after a huge backlash at news operator MP Travel was to withdraw the service after from this Sunday.
The route will now continue, but with a reduced service.
East Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury said on Facebook: “We did it! We saved the X1 bus! More than 1,250 people signed my petition.
“Merseytravel and Halton Council must have been listening to the outcry across the community because with effect from Monday it will continue, albeit on a reduced timetable.
“But a bus service is better than no bus service!”
There will be seven buses in each direction, evenly spread throughout the day, with the first bus leaving Castlefields at 5.30am and the last bus arriving back in Runcorn at 8.05pm.
The Weaver Vale MP added: “A huge thank you to constituents who took time to support my campaign and to both Labour-run authorities – including Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram – for stepping in to subsidise the route and ensure it is safe at least for the foreseeable future.
“Well done everyone and can I urge people to try and use the service provided by MP Travel as this is the best way of ensuring it is sustainable in the long term.”
In an online statement, MP Travel said: “We have been liaising with the local authorities regarding the X1 and the service will continue, unfortunately, for the time being, this will be on a reduced timetable.”
MP Travel has raised issues about anti-social behaviour on the route and recruitment problems caused by the national driver shortage.
Mr Amesbury said his team would write to police to see what support they can offer the firm.
He said it was “completely unacceptable if drivers and passengers are feeling threatened by a minority of idiots at times”, adding: “I will continue to use my platform in
Parliament to pressure the Government into addressing the driver shortage that is impacting not only bus companies but hauliers in my constituency.
“For now, let’s give ourselves a pat on the back because together we made a difference that means people can still get to work and young people can still get to college in a timely fashion.”
Last week, MP Travel said it was facing a driver shortage, funding problems and attacks from vandals on the route including bricks smashing two windows worth about £3,500 and someone taking “potshots” with a BB gun at the driver and bus, with one BB hitting the vehicle and the other missing.
Problems with antisocial behaviour (ASB) are reported to have mainly occurred on the Castlefields and Windmill Hill legs of the journey, according to tweets from the firm online.
Arriva, which used to run the X1, said its fleet experienced a rise in ASB during August.
Police in Runcorn have vowed to tackle the problem.
Chief Inspector Leeroy Moss said: “We are aware of reports of antisocial behaviour on the busways in Runcorn and I’d like to reassure residents we are committed to doing all we can to tackle the issue and ensure that robust action is taken against those responsible.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to tackle the issue we regularly conduct patrols on all the busways across the town.
“However, we also need support from residents and I’d urge anyone with information in relation to these incidents to get in touch, you’ll be listened to and we will act upon it.” ●●Further routes cut: p19