Save our buses!
With more bus services than ever being axed, we look at the issues and the latest plans to reverse the cuts
Whether you need to pop to the shops or visit friends, getting out and about on a bus is becoming harder and harder to do. In the last year alone, 3,088 routes nationally have either been reduced or eliminated. But in the midst of those depressing statistics, the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) is now pushing a new proposition that it’s hoped could reverse this decline.
Why are routes being cut?
CBT’s Steve Chambers says: “Today’s bus routes are operated commercially to make a profit, but many routes don’t make enough money for operators which can lead to cuts in services. Where routes under threat of closure are seen as ‘socially necessary’ some local councils do choose to take responsibility for them as they know they’re needed for people to get to work or school or socialise.
“However, with many councils facing ongoing funding squeezes they often have to choose between funding buses – not a statutory requirement for them – or adult social care which is statutory; so it’s the bus routes that go.”
Latest developments
The CBT is calling on the Government for a national plan of action for the nation’s buses. “Currently there are strategies for all other forms of transport from walking to aviation to rail, so it’s strange that bus services are instead just left to local authority decisionmakers.
“We’d hope a national plan would create proper funding for buses as well as making them more attractive for more people to ride on.”
They also want to encourage local authorities to get involved with the new Bus Services Act which allows them to partner with commercial operators to improve services. Steve says: “Many councils don’t realise they can do this at the moment.”
It’s hoped this kind of partnership scheme would stop bus routes being cut every single year. Steve says: “We believe a national strategy may help stop this ongoing decline. It would also align buses with the government’s upcoming strategy to end loneliness as good bus services surely help reduce isolation so we’re hoping this initiative will be received well by government.”