Cllr Andrew Scopes, Cllr Annie Maloney and Cllr Gohar Almass (Labour, Beeston and Holbeck) are warning of disastrous cuts to bus services in our area if the Government fails to extend vital funding in the Spring.
Last Autumn they campaigned alongside Mayor Tracy Brabin and Labour’s Northern Mayors to secure a six month extension of the Bus Recovery Grant – a financial lifeline for bus operators to keep services running after the Covid pandemic.
However, three months on, the Government has failed to guarantee that this emergency funding will continue after March, putting essential services in the region at risk. While bus patronage has recovered more quickly in West Yorkshire than other areas, reaching over 80% of pre-pandemic levels and 100% amongst young people, this recovery will be put under threat if Government withdraws its funding prematurely.
In our area services such as 55, 65, 75, 86 and 87 could be at risk of reduced frequency, or being scrapped altogether.
Cllr Andrew Scopes said:
“I support the Labour Mayor in her recent announcements working to get more people using buses and protect the network from cuts. The ‘Mayor’s Fares’, launched in September, capped the cost of journeys at £2 and the price of an MCard DaySaver ticket at £4.50 cutting fares for passengers in our area.
“But while our successful campaign for funding saved services from the axe last Autumn, operators are warning that without further, sustainable funding from Government they will be forced to make further cuts this spring.
“This will have a damaging impact on our communities and we need the Government to take urgent action to keep our communities linked together and able to get around the city.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Beeston & Holbeck Councillors
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How can bus route 86 be at risk of a reduced service? It’s only approx every 30 mins as it is ! It’s extremely useful to get it on Tunstall Road and go to Morrisons supermarket in Hunslet