Reprieve for bus services as First makes U-turn (From Gazette Series)

Reprieve for bus services as First makes U-turn

10:17am Wednesday 11th June 2008 in News By Ali Dent

BUS company First has made a major U-turn over planned cuts to services between Yate and Bristol - but some routes will still get the chop.

The firm revealed this week it would safeguard express buses into the city following a public outcry over proposals to axe them.

Commuters, shoppers and day-trippers were outraged at the plans, which would have increased journey times by 20 to 30 minutes because buses would run via Frenchay and Downend on their way into Bristol.

Regional managing director Justin Davies said the turnaround was the result of public feedback during a consultation last month.

He said: "What this consultation period has shown is the passion that a great many people feel about their local bus services.

"Clearly we have not been able to do everything that everyone wants, but we have listened, and these changes have been made based on the majority of customer feedback we have received.

"I would like to reiterate that I am committed to improving bus services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. However, I firmly believe that change is necessary to run a safe, reliable and punctual service.

"We are working hard to make sure that we use our buses and drivers where they are most needed to secure the best overall service for our customers."

The decision means the 328, X30 and X40 buses will be replaced by the X27 and 327 hourly services from Yate bus station via north and south Yate, Winterbourne and Hambrook. The X42 will not change from its hourly route through Coalpit Heath.

Campaigners who protested at the cuts have welcomed the announcement.

Northavon MP Steve Webb said: "We have won two out of three victories.

"The motorway services, which are vital, and buses serving Cotswold Road have been saved but we have lost all buses serving Cranleigh Court Road in Yate.

"It is a double blow for residents there who have just lost their Post Office, on Station Road and it will create a bus desert."

He added: "However, we are grateful to everyone who contacted First and I am very glad they listened at least in part to people's concerns."

Matthew Riddle, prospective Conservative MP for Thornbury and Yate, said: "The bus changes that First originally proposed defied belief and I am glad that the pressure applied has forced them to think again on many of their changes."

"Whilst their partial climbdown on changes to Yate and Sodbury services is welcome, I remain concerned many local residents will be forced to get back into their cars, instead of using public transport, particularly due to the overall reduction in the frequency of buses between Yate and Bristol."

The changes will take effect from Sunday, August 3.