On Saturday, June 17, I attended a National Bus Conference in York that was organised by the Yorkshire and Humber Pensioners’ Convention.
I was invited to attend as a result of my campaign for a better local bus service. I launched a petition last October to keep the Stagecoach No 37 service from Spalding to Peterborough in its entirety.
Although the Stagecoach No 37 Spalding to Peterborough timetable is still restricted to one bus every two hours, I am fully supportive of people in the community who want and deserve a better bus service.
By having a national campaign it will help local groups come together for a stronger and wider platform to highlight the need for increased guaranteed funding and an end to the crisis in bus services throughout the UK, especially in rural areas.
I note the current £2 single fare scheme will be extended until October 31 2023, then will be set at £2.50 until November 2024 – a 25 per cent increase.
Better timetables are still required to enable more communities to have a better quality of service.
If the Government is serious about levelling-up, then ministers need to back our buses for the long-term. Better buses take more cars off the road and also help people who would be completely isolated without their bus service providing that vital link in life.
Public money provides the services, bus services should work for the community.
Rodney Sadd
Crowland
Supporter of the NPC
