‘Funding cliff edge’ warning for region’s bus services
Seven Metro Mayors across England have warned Government “failure” to extend emergency Covid support for bus services is on the verge of causing lasting damage.
In a statement led by South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis, regional leaders sounded the alarm about what they called “strategic short-sightedness of the worst kind.”
They say bus companies are sharing the blame for looming cuts and fare rises that will weaken economic recovery, undermine climate change targets and hit hard-up passengers in the pocket.
Jarvis said: “The lack of concern for the future of our buses from the Government and private operators is astounding.
“Rushing to end support and slash services while Covid cases remain high and a substantial chunk of the workforce is still working from home virtually guarantees passenger numbers will not recover, and needlessly locks in damage that might otherwise have been temporary.
“It makes clear neither is really interested in the long-term health of the system.”
“This is a moment of danger for our buses. We need the Government and operators to act for to the long-term good of the system – or we’ll all be paying the price.”
The Government is set to end emergency support for bus services at the end of March, and operators have already pencilled in major cuts and fare rises.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin added: “Our bus services are facing a funding cliff edge next month which Government are not responding to quickly enough.
“Operators are cutting back on routes in areas that need help to level up, whilst pushing up fares which will not help boost passenger numbers.
“We want to transform our services, and deliver the London style buses our communities deserve. But unless Government steps in, we’ll have to spend money to simply prop up the current system rather than deliver on our ambitions.”
Jarvis, Brabin and the other mayors say they want the Government to continue emergency support for bus services and make good on pledges for longer-term investment.
