Lib Dems call for urgent talks on bus route problems

Westfield ward Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Waller is calling for urgent talks on bus reliability issues affecting residents following route changes implemented by the council’s Labour administration.

Earlier this month the route of the number 16 operated by Connexions – which connects Acomb with the city centre via Hamilton Drive – was changed by the Council to incorporate the Ascot Way, Kingsway West and Cornlands Road area, which had previously been served by the 24 service operated by Transdev. But the changes to the route of what is supposed to be an hourly service has led to some buses being delayed or cancelled altogether, leaving many elderly and disabled residents stranded as alternative bus services are not easily accessible.

Cllr Waller has raised residents’ concerns with the Managing Director at Connexions and has been tracking the delays and cancellations. He is now calling for a meeting with council officers to discuss the situation and what steps can be taken to ensure that residents have a reliable bus service.

Cllr Waller commented: “For many residents in Westfield ward the number 16 is vital for them to get to medical appointments and to the shops in Acomb and to connect with other bus services. When a bus misses, they can be left stranded for over an hour, which is not acceptable, and it means that the next bus is carrying two loads of passengers. It has become clear that despite their best efforts, the operator is struggling to keep to the timetable, which suggests that the route wasn’t properly thought out in the first place, nor was the impact of congestion at key points taken into account such as at the junction of Hamilton Drive and Holgate Road.

“The council has responded to me to say that they are following up the situation – however, on behalf residents, I am asking for a meeting to discuss the operation of this service which is funded by the council in order that a reliable service is provided to residents.

“The Labour administration announced plans for a number of route changes in December 2023 ahead of a rushed ‘consultation’ exercise just before Christmas. The problems aren’t limited to the 16 service - there seem to be issues on other routes which have been changed, such as the 11, which suggests there are wider issues which need to be addressed urgently.”