Fight on to save routes as more bus cuts announced
More local bus services are set to face cuts following notifications of service changes submitted by First York.
Whilst only comparatively minor frequency changes are set to affect the Nr 10 and 11 services, First York have announced that that it is planning to withdraw the number 12 / 12A service entirely from 22nd January.
The number 12 already benefits from a Council subsidy, despite this, First York are experiencing significant driver shortages and have notified the Council of their plans to withdraw it.
The route is now being put out to tender by the Council in the hope that an operator could be found to take it on before the 22nd January. This was successfully done for two bus routes – the number 13 and 412- which were put at risk of withdrawal by the operator Connexions, when the Council stepped in to save them earlier this month.
A report to a council meeting on 15th December notes that Government financial support for bus services will come to an end next March, putting further pressure on already financially-stretched local councils to support services that are facing major challenges.
The local Lib Dem councillor and campaigner team has vowed to fight to retain local bus services and have launched a petition https://digitallibdems.typeform.com/12bus and have organised a public meeting for residents to have their say on local bus services - on Sunday 18th December at 1.30pm at St James the Deacon Church Hall.
Local Councillor for Westfield ward Simon Daubeney commented:
“It’s incredibly disappointing to learn that First York are planning to axe the number 12/12a service. There are clearly significant challenges facing bus services in the light of the pandemic, but it is very disappointing that First do not see a way to retain this service in some shape or form. I hope that the Council will be able to find a way to ensure that an operator can step in and save the route.
"Part of this bus route is the only available public transport serving the Woodthorpe and Acomb Park area and parts of Foxwood, so a complete withdrawal of it would come as a major blow to the local community.”
Local resident and campaigner Pippa Hepworth added:
“We will do all we can to fight to save the service and convey the strength of feeling locally, but it’s crucial that residents not only sign the petition but also vote with their feet – use the number 12/12A to show operators how important this route is.
“These are just the latest bus services that are now facing cuts, and there is real fear that more are yet to come. We have major concerns over the impact on residents of what is starting to look like a real bus crisis across the city and the country.
“Unless bus services receive urgent long term support from the Government both financially as well as through driver recruitment, services will continue to be under constant threat.