Council Leader calls for long term bus funding to avoid service cuts

Council Leader Keith Aspden has written to the new Transport Secretary to call for a long-term, sustainable funding deal for buses to be put in place urgently to avoid a funding cliff-edge.

The emergency funding provided by the Government throughout the pandemic for bus services that were experiencing a huge reduction in passenger numbers has been crucial in sustaining services. Earlier in September this emergency funding was extended to March 2023.

Councillor Aspden has warned the Transport Secretary that local operators are still contemplating cuts as bus services are still reeling from the impact of the pandemic. Bus driver shortages, low passenger numbers and impending funding cliff edges is leaving services in a constant state of retreat, in York and across the region. Just two weeks ago Transdev confirmed plans to axe the CityZap service between York and Leeds.

Intensive work is currently taking place by Council officers and providers to encourage and support residents to return to buses and retain as many services as possible. In order to ensure this, Councillor Aspden is calling for more long-term funding to support public transport networks, including support for driver recruitment and training schemes.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Leader of the City of York Council, commented:

“The cost-of-living crisis, the climate emergency, and the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic have made bus services more important than ever, as an accessible, cost-effective, and more sustainable alternative to cars.

“Whilst the government’s significant U-turn in extending crucial emergency support until next March was very welcome news, it’s just moved the cliff edge on for another six months. Operators and councils can’t keep on cobbling together bits of funding and timetable tweaks to keep essential bus services on the road.

"We need the Government to step up with and provide a sustainable, long-term funding deal for buses, one which will prevent the need for any further cuts and most vitally support driver recruitment and retention. This would ensure that services are there for communities when they need them, driving green journeys and reducing carbon emissions.”