Councillors hit out at rural bus axe
Rural West York councillors have expressed serious concerns as a local rural bus service – the only bus servicing Rufforth village – is at risk of being axed from the 10th December.
Connexions, the bus operating company that runs the 412 service between Wetherby, and York through Tockwith and Rufforth, has confirmed that it has given notice to withdraw the service from the 10th December. The reasons for the service axe given includes, serious concerns over its profitability, which are exacerbated by the current driver shortage, reduced passenger numbers since the pandemic, and the fact that the majority of passengers are entitled to concessions.
This is the latest operator that has confirmed service withdrawal, as bus operators across the city and country continue to consider service cuts due to the impact of the pandemic and lack of long term funding.
Local Councillor Anne Hook is urging residents to show their support for the service by signing a petition set up by Parish Councils being serviced by the 412: https://chng.it/CDgnBfq7
This issue was debated at a Full Council meeting in October, which saw councillors approve a Liberal Democrat motion calling for work to take place to retain as many routes as possible locally. The Council Leader Cllr Keith Aspden has also written to the 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 that is fast approaching in spring.
Local Councillor Anne Hook commented:
“It is very concerning to learn of the news that the 412 service operators have found that this bus service is not financially sustainable anymore and are preparing to withdraw it. The residents who rely on this particular service are mostly elderly and vulnerable people, who cannot drive and use it to access services outside the village, so it could come as a serious blow to the local community.
“There are clearly significant challenges facing bus services in the light of the pandemic, but it is very disappointing that the operator was not able to find a way to retain this service in some shape or form.
“Regular and reliable bus services are a real lifeline to our rural communities and every effort should be made to protect them. I would urge residents to sign the petition, so we can convey the extent of the concern from the local community. I will now look to urgently work with the 412 operators and officers to explore all options to support the service so that residents in Rufforth do not lose their only bus service.
“Unless bus services receive urgent long term support from the Government, both financially as well as through driver recruitment, more services are likely to face cancellation. This is becoming a major issue and the Government really needs to wake up and act now before it’s too late.”