Chris Loder MP leads campaign to save the No. 6 bus service as First Wessex abandons route
Chris Loder MP chose his Maiden Speech in the House of Commons this week as an opportunity highlight his concerns about cuts to rural transport and his frustration that the Number 6 bus service, run by First Wessex and linking major towns in West Dorset, is to cease on Friday 1st May.
Managing Director of bus operator First Wessex, Marc Reddy, cites ‘continuing losses’ as the cause. In response, Chris Loder MP says: “There has been a total lack of consultation on this matter and I believe First Bus is failing our communities. We need to do all we can to keep this vital service”. The MP is now taking action by leading a campaign, with a letter to residents and a survey to gauge the extent of how this will affect people in their daily lives.
Service 6, which operates between Bridport, Beaminster and Crewkerne was taken over by First Wessex in September 2017. Since then this route has endured major timetable changes without proper consultation with stakeholders; beginning with the cessation of the Yeovil College route followed by ending of the direct service between Bridport and Yeovil.
Mr Loder continues: “We are now in a situation where the only bus link between Bridport, Beaminster and Crewkerne, and consequently the chance of connecting with a train to London, is to be discontinued. This is unacceptable and isolates some of the most vulnerable people who rely on public transport”.
Constituents affected by the proposed cut to rural bus services can have their say by completing a short survey; which the MP plans to use to gauge the impact this announcement from First Wessex will have on local communities. Visit: www.chrisloder.co.uk/bus-survey
ENDS
7th February 2020
