BUS SERVICE A DISGRACE (27/03/02)

Firstbus, the company that runs the majority of the county’s bus services, intend to increase fares by 5%. This is on top of last summer’s rise of 4.5%. It is the 3rd rise in bus fares in just over 12 months.

There will also be service cuts, which will include the loss of through links to Musgrove Park hospital. Firstbus plan to change their entire bus network from April 15th.

There will be general drops in service frequencies across the network. In particular, Norton Fitzwarrren and Bishop’s Hull services will fall. Instead of every 30 minutes, passengers can expect a bus every hour.

The bus company also provides bus services under contract to Somerset County Council. It has requested that these fares should also go up. Conservative Councillors say ‘no way’.

Conservative spokesman for Transport, Mike Facey comments, ‘Musgrove Park is a hospital of excellence. It has been graded as one of the country’s top hospitals. To have public transport links cut undermines this status. It is preposterous to reduce a bus service, which is used by so many in times of need.

‘A further problem is congestion in our towns. It has become unbearable. By confusing bus services and making public transport a more expensive alternative to the private car, Firstbus are adding to the problem. The liberal democrats should be encouraging better provision of public transport, not worse.

‘We must encourage the public to get on the buses, not deter them with higher fares and reduced frequency. The Conservative group will not be supporting any rise in fares on reduction in County bus services.’