Bedford’s Green councillors have responded to news of further cuts to bus services by saying the service should be brought into public ownership.
Their comments come after Stagecoach and Bedford Borough Council confirmed they are in talks regarding the future of the network, with councillors claiming that several routes are under threat.
In response to questions from the Bedford Independent, the bus operator and the council provided vaguely worded statements, saying they were working towards a “sustainable” network.
“As Greens, we know that the only way to really change the situation is to bring buses back into public control, as many larger authorities are now doing,” said a Bedford Green Party spokesperson.
“Appalled”
Cllr Michael Headley (Lib Dem, Putnoe) said his party had launched a petition, opposing the removal of bus services from Putnoe and other routes.
“We are appalled by these proposals,” he said.
“There appears to be the clear intent to axe the number 7 route in total, and parts of the 4/10 route are also at risk.
“This will leave many of our residents in real difficulties. It is totally unacceptable that large parts of our town should be without a proper, regular bus service.
“I’ve had local people contact me who are very worried about these plans. This catastrophic proposal needs to be stopped before it’s too late.”
Changing travel needs
Last year, Bedford Borough Council and bus providers launched a survey to provide a clearer picture of local travel habits, including the barriers that prevent people from using buses more often.
Read: Council survey aims to understand why more Bedfordians aren’t using the bus
David Boden, Commercial Director, Stagecoach East, told the Bedford Independent: “We are proud to serve the local community in Bedford and, as the travel needs of local people change, it is essential that the local bus network changes with them, so that it remains sustainable.
“We are working with Bedford Borough Council officials on the future of the bus network and will share further information on how the network can be developed to meet today’s travel needs as we have it.”
In response, a Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: “Officers from Bedford Borough Council are continuing to work closely with Stagecoach, working towards a more sustainable public transport network across the Borough.
“This is consistent with our ongoing relationship with all bus operators.”
The comments from Stagecoach and Bedford Borough Council gave little comfort to opposition councillors.
‘We’re worried to hear of any further reductions in local bus services,” said the Bedford Greens’ spokesperson.
“Any reduction in number or in frequency, on top of services already reduced recently, will have a real impact on the many bus users who have no other way of getting around.
“Greens recognise that many people absolutely rely on buses to get to work, college, the shops or appointments. Their quality of life and even life chances reduce as they lose their bus service, or if frequency is reduced.
“This is not just a local problem, sadly.”
