Bus Users UK is urging people in North Yorkshire to speak out against the threat of major cuts to public transport in the region.
North Yorkshire County Council has to save £96m between 2011-2015 and a further £66m between 2015-2019. Funding on public transport is allocated at the discretion of local councils, so cuts have already been made to Sunday and evening bus services in the region. Worse still, there are plans to cut an additional £1.1m from the current budget of £4.4m over the next year.
Despite assurances that the council will consult with bus companies and bus passengers over the plans, Bus Users UK fears any further cuts will have a massive, damaging and lasting impact on local communities with the most vulnerable being the hardest hit.
Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK commented:
Bus services are constantly undervalued, yet many people rely on them to access jobs, education, healthcare and social services.
Buses provide vital links to isolated, rural communities and ensure that people with disabilities, the elderly and vulnerable can lead active lives. They enable people on low incomes to access a wider range of employment opportunities and play a pivotal role in economic regeneration. They also ease congestion in our towns and cities and offer a safe, low-carbon alternative to the car.
However the people of North Yorkshire are in very real danger of losing these essential services if they don’t speak out to save them.
To help people make their voices heard, Bus Users UK is holding a ‘Your Bus Matters’ event on Friday 1 November 2013 at Station Parade, Harrogate, adjacent to the Victoria Memorial Gardens & shopping centre.
The day will provide a unique opportunity for passengers to raise their concerns directly with those responsible for providing local bus services. Transdev, Connexionsbuses, Yorkshire Tiger, Eddie Brown buses will be present along with North Yorkshire County Council and representatives from Bus Users UK.
To find out more call 01782 442855 or visit www.bususers.org
Bus Users UK is an independent group which champions the interests of bus and coach users and campaigns for better bus and coach services.
