08 August 2023 , 10:34
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Public transport cuts are leaving pensioners “stranded” and “alone”, as recent figures show half of local bus routes have been discontinued since 2010 - and we want to know what YOU think.
Statistics from the Traffic Commissioners reveal there are just 8,781 registered bus routes available, a dramatic plunge from the 17,393 services running in 2010. More than 2,000 routes have been axed since 2021/2022 alone, with the West Midlands being the hardest hit.
Services have plummeted by 52% in the North West, 50% in the North East, 45% in the East, 43% in the West and 29% in the South East. Some of the decline can be attributed to services merging or routes being altered. Small towns are now being described as “transport deserts” with inadequate public transport options available for residents.
Louise Haigh, Labour's shadow transport secretary, said: "The staggering decline in local bus services under this Government is nothing short of vandalism against our communities. Millions of people rely on these essential services, but they are being left without a voice as routes are cut back year after year.”
Elderly, vulnerable and disabled people are suffering the most from the limited public transport options, leaving many feeling isolated. Pat Young, who turns 80 next week, used to travel to Pontefract and Selby three times a week to meet her lifelong friends. But the great-gran who lives in Askern, on the outskirts of Doncaster, has been grounded since last January.
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According to locals, there used to be three bus services passing through but now they have just one, meaning Pat can no longer travel directly to the historic Yorkshire market towns to see friends and is forced to spend more time at home. She said: “I get fed up easier now. It’s lonely because I’m on my own.
“I used to meet up with my friends from work three times a week, on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday but now I only get to see them every other week. There’s only one of us who drives, so she picks several up and they come to mine for sandwiches, one of them will bring cakes. So now I’m stuck in here.” Pat said that her late husband who died more than 17 years ago did all the driving, but “since then I’ve got the bus and it’s the worse I’ve ever known it.”
Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), said: "Bus remains the nation's most popular type of public transport and passenger numbers are increasing year-on-year by over 10%.
"But bus operators are facing challenging economic conditions with industry costs up by 17% over the last year, according to CPT research. Against this backdrop, we have been clear the 21-month bus funding settlement from Government is not sufficient to save every service.”
We want to know if bus routes are affecting people in your area. Vote in our poll HERE to have you say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.