Changes to Services Must Reflect Needs of Local Bus Users say Lib Dems

1.39.01pm GMT Tue 4th Sep 2007

Michael Headley and Bedford Borough Lib Dems are calling on Stagecoach to re-introduce evening bus services and to give careful consideration to the impact of ending through-town services on local bus users

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are calling on Stagecoach to re-introduce evening bus services and to give careful consideration to the impact of ending through-town services on local bus users

Commenting, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Michael Headley said:

"I am pleased to see some welcome changes to bus services proposed by Stagecoach. I am also encouraged to hear that they are looking at the possibility of re-introducing evening services. I would urge them to go beyond simply looking at it and to bring later services back as soon as possible. For too long now it has been impossible to access Bedford Town Centre by public transport after early evening, with the result that many local residents are unnecessarily restricted from taking up leisure and work opportunities.'

"The proposal by Stagecoach to end 'through buses,' which allow travel between the North of Bedford and Kempston and South Bedford, is less welcome. I understand the all-too-obvious problems of congestion in the town centre, but urge Stagecoach to consider the effects of these changes on those bus users in the North of the town who need to access the hospital for treatment or to visit friends or relatives, often with great frequency. If these through services really must be halted, bus users who will now have to change buses in the town centre must not be made to pay twice. They should continue to be able to travel using a through ticket.'

"I am sure that Stagecoach realise the importance of an affordable, efficient and accessible bus service to the local community in Bedford & Kempston, and I hope that this will be reflected in their changes to services this autumn."