news story

13th March 2009

MP Slams Local Bus Cuts

Sign the petition against the cuts

Northavon MP Steve Webb has reacted angrily to the latest plans by First Bus to cut further services in South Gloucestershire.  The company did not consult on its plans but simply presented them as a fait accompli.

The cuts to services are as follows:

* From 10th May the X27 will no longer operate, leaving Iron Acton and North Yate without a daytime bus service altogether.

* The X42 will only run at peak times and will be replaced by the (slower) 342 off peak.

* The 482 Sunday service between Chipping Sodbury and Cribbs Causeway will also be cancelled.

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

"It is outrageous of First Group to try to pass on to hard-pressed council taxpayers the cost of running vital bus services from South Gloucestershire. They need to understand that running a bus service is a long-term business and that people make plans for work and leisure based on the existing bus timetables. They do not expect the bus company to rip up the timetable just a few weeks after the last round of changes.

"Councils have recently been given new powers over bus companies in the Local Transport Act, and I expect to see South Gloucestershire taking a tough line with First Group.

"It's time that the Council stood up to the bullying behaviour of the bus companies".

Click here to watch the BBC Points West report on this story

Click here to read my blog post on the subject

Click here to read comments from local councillors