Campaigner's night bus fears
A TRANSPORT campaigner has urged Bristol's mayor to think again about his review of night bus services.
Last week George Ferguson announced that cuts to night bus subsidies would be reversed after a new agreement was reached between First Bus and the council.
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But South West Transport Network's David Redgewell, pictured, said he was worried the £60,000 deal did not protect Wessex services, which were still set to be axed.
The campaigner said the loss of night time services to St Anne's, Hillfields, Whitchurch and Brislington excluded public transport users and damaged the night time economy.
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He told The Post: "It's excellent that the mayor has saved the service but there are gaps in the network. These gaps in the service exclude some of the most deprived wards in the city.
"I know the mayor has said he wants to look after the most vulnerable members of society so I would ask for a review."
He added the service could be saved with a "joined up approach" from the mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountsevens.
The new services operated by First are set to come into effect on March 24 and will supersede the existing Wessex contracts.
Bristol City Council spokesman James Easy said: "The new proposal has night bus services running six nights a week rather than just the current two nights. It actually covers more of Bristol than at present, including the majority of areas currently served, but reintroduces night bus services to areas of north-west Bristol (Shirehampton, Lawrence Weston, Sea Mills, Stoke Bishop, Clifton, Redland, Henleaze and Brentry) that do not have currently have them.
"As there is significant route duplication it would be inappropriate and unaffordable to support both night bus service options.
"The six days a week offer significantly improves the overall attractiveness of the public transport network, particularly as return tickets would be available.
"First Group has indicated that they may expand the network without subsidy should this be successful."
The planned changes to services mean the council will increase funding from £40,000 to £60,000 for night buses.
7 Comments
by Jimenez47
Saturday, February 09 2013, 5:43PM
“Night buses might be a fairly attractive proposition, as long as an armed guard was on board. Otherwise sane people should get a taxi instead.”
by markmaggs9391
Saturday, February 09 2013, 1:26PM
“The only issue is if they ran the 1 there is a lot of common route with the 54. So until services are redrawn I think there will always be holes in the service and areas that don't get served.”
by Bristolexpat
Saturday, February 09 2013, 4:48AM
“Sorry, looking at this guys photo I cant take him seriously...........”
by birgit_1987
Friday, February 08 2013, 12:35PM
“A council spokesman says that Lawrence will be covered under this new scheme - is First aware of this? Their website states that the 40/40A which usually covers Lawrence Weston/Avonmouth/Henbury/Cribbs Causeway during normal hours will run the new scheme between Old Market and Shirehampton - so it seems First will not be running this scheme through Avonmouth, Lawrence Weston and Henbury at all?”
by FishpondsPhil
Friday, February 08 2013, 9:37AM
“I'm normally a First basher, and am the first to complain when a bus is delayed, or doesn't show up, or that the prices are too high, but I must commend First for running the night busses.
I can understand the need for a subsidy whilst they establish themselves, they took the risk with running later journeys on the 73 route, and are operating the 75 without any subsidy, I'm guessing the whole of Bristol is a little too far.
What would be great is to have a few more 24 hour routes, maybe adding the 48 through Fishponds, the 1 up Whiteladies Road, and a 44 out towards Kingswood.”
by J12345678
Friday, February 08 2013, 9:24AM
“There is more news on this at First's website null
Interesting they say the current Fri/Sat scheme (i.e. 100 nights a year) is subsidised by £40k which is £400/night.
Whereas for 6 nights a week (i.e. 300 a year) the subsidy is £60k which is £200/night.
Clearly the fact of earlier finish (2am instead of 6am) will mean reduced running costs so maybe George isn't getting more for less overall but I do hope the services Mon-Thurs will help and I definitely welcome the return of a service to NW Bristol up Whiteladies Road.”
by bs4Burts
Friday, February 08 2013, 8:36AM
“Hope the drivers get paid more to work that time of night?”