Don't dither just save bus route says Labour

LABOUR councillors are demanding that Lib Dem-run Hull Council "stops dithering" and steps in to save an important city bus route.

Bus company East Yorkshire Motor Services has blamed the escalating price of fuel and a reduction in the money it gets for the new concessionary fares scheme for cutting the 1C and number 41 services in Hull.

The company said it had also been hit by the awarding of a contract to run Hull's flagship park and ride scheme to a London operator – although their bid was lowest by about 32,000.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 1C service is the only bus service to serve Bridlington Avenue and Labour councillors say they have been inundated with complaints from residents who consider it a lifeline.

Labour group leader Steve Brady said: "The Lib Dems should act immediately to get this service reinstated. Leadership is about standing up for local residents and businesses. Both will suffer if this route goes.

"Their incompetence in recent tenders has led to the axing of this local route in my view. At the very least they can make good the damage they have presided over."

Labour will be bringing the matter up at next council meeting on January 19.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

EYMS chairman Peter Shipp said both services had been losing money. He said the awarding of the contract was one of the reasons for the routes being axed, but not the primary cause. EYMS had also been hit by a reduction of 350,000 a year in the concessionary travel payment from North Yorkshire Council.

He said the council had asked for a price to keep the services going for the short term, adding: "At the moment services are due to finish on February 8, but the council may still decide to support them for the short term while they decide what to do."

No Lib Dem spokesman was available for comment.

Related topics: