Bus cuts

GCC bus review results are now out - see here survey results and here decisions re the cuts to buses made at Cabinet on Friday 5th August. I have long opposed cuts to bus services - we need to be expanding them in the current climate - now the service is set to get worse so that even fewer will use the services.

Update: See Green party comment re cuts nationally to bus services here.

We do need to think creatively now that cuts are coming - yes some routes are not sustainable without greater funding and changes to the way we provide public transport nationally - one way forward that I have supported is the extension of Demand Response services - see for example here -  these differ from conventional bus services in that customers book a seat either by telephone, text message or via the internet and arrange to be picked up at a specific time at their nearest village bus stop. People can book to travel to any other stop in the area served, not just the local town centre. Similar to our current Dial-a-Ride system.

Here are bits I've taken from the Council papers re our services although they don't make it very clear.....

In terms of this area the 93 bus from Nailsworth to Gloucester via Whiteshill there were 86 responses: 87% said that the current timetable for this bus service meets their needs. Daytime journeys are NOT subsidised. Last journey in each direction between Gloucester and Stroud is subsidised. Option 1: Extend Gloucester City service 9 from St Barnabas Church (will mean passengers will travel via Tuffley). Option 2: This service could be withdrawn and replaced by a flexible transport service. Depending on the type of service offered, you may need to book your trip in advance. Departure times and precise pick-up/drop off points will be confirmed when you make your booking. Change from November: The 7.35pm departure from Gloucester on Mondays to Saturdays and the 6.55pm departures on Monday to Friday, 6.40 pm on Saturday, from Stroud will continue to run.

In terms of the 230 local bus there were 10 responses: 90% said that the current timetable for this bus service meets their needs. It runs Mondays to Saturdays. All journeys subsidised.
Option 1: On Mondays to Saturdays buses will run to cater for people travelling to work and school with another journey running during the middle of the day. Option 2: On Mondays to Fridays buses will run to cater for people travelling to work and school with two other journeys running during the middle of the day on three days a week. Change from November: A Monday to Saturday service will continue be provided but there will be 4 journeys instead of 5