11.08.11
Bus service cuts threaten vulnerable
Cuts to bus services threaten the most vulnerable, according to the Commons Transport Select Committee.
Subsidised services, running in the evening, weekends and in rural areas, have been reduced by 70% of councils, and other cuts have affected rural rates with increased fares.
The report concludes that this is stopping elderly and disabled people from accessing healthcare, education and work.
Labour MP Louise Ellman is concerned about the effects of the cuts, saying: “We have seen a significant number of bus services withdrawn around the country and there is every indication that fares are set to rise well above the rate of inflation in some areas.”
Transport Minister Norman Baker responded: “The grant arrangements are under review to ensure they deliver our goals of cutting carbon and supporting the economy and continue to offer value for money.
“We are keeping a close eye on whether councils are approaching this imaginatively, finding savings in procurement and backroom staff, or just reaching for the axe and cutting frontline services.”
The chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, Stephen Joseph, commented: “This isn't just a matter of buses not being there, these are lifelines for many people - people who can't get access to healthcare who really need it, there are people who would like to take jobs, or get education training opportunities, and they can't access those because the buses simply aren't there. Or there may be a bus out there - but they can't get one back.”
The Government will respond formally to the report's recommendations in the next few months.
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