news story

27th May 2008

MP in Talks with First Bus Boss Over Threatened Services

Northavon MP Steve Webb has met First Bus boss Justin Davies at the company's headquarters in Bristol to protest at plans to cut bus services from South Gloucestershire.

The Lib Dem MP told Mr Davies that he had heard directly from dozens of local residents who were angry at plans to cut "express" bus services that use the M32 as well as over changes which would leave parts of the area with no bus service at all.

The meeting took place at the end of a 3 week consultation process which the MP criticised for not giving residents enough information. In particular, Steve Webb protested that the 'consultation' document did not even tell residents what impact the changes would have on the length of their journey.

In response, Justin Davies said that the consultation had generated between 400 and 500 replies and that everyone who took part would get a letter from the company in response.

He said that a number of repeated themes had come through from the consultation, including on the importance of the motorway-based services, and that as a result of the consultation changes would be made before the final plans are implemented in the Summer.

Speaking after the meeting, Steve Webb said:

"When these plans were first announced there was real anger locally. People were particularly frustrated that the Government announced plans for new bus lanes on the M32 when the local bus company were planning to scrap the local services which use the motorway. However, from my meeting this morning with the Managing Director I get the impression that the company have had a very clear message from local people and I am hopeful that significant changes will now be made before the final routes and services are announced".

The MP said that he hoped that in future the company would work more closely with local councils before announcing plans to change routes.