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Outrage over bus cuts election ‘deceit’ claim

Claims that changes to Bournemouth's bus services were kept under wraps until after the local elections have been branded "deceitful" by an outraged civic leader.

Muscliff councillors were furious to discover in the council's own magazine how local bus services were being curtailed.

"There was no consultation about council funding being withdrawn for the Yellow Buses' 4b service," fumed Cllr Ron Whittaker.

"The first thing we knew that it would not be running via Chesildene Drive and Shillingstone Drive during weekday evenings and on Sundays from May 25 was when we read about it in the BHlife magazine.

"While our local bus services are being cut, new services are being funded in other parts of the borough.

"What's good for the goose is good for the gander."

With the support of Cllrs Mike Everingham and Roger West, Cllr Whittaker has requested a special environment and economy scrutiny panel meeting to discuss cuts to Muscliff's bus services.

He said: "With summer approaching and high fuel prices, the timing couldn't be worse."

Local resident Marc Reddy said his family would be affected by the changes.

In correspondence to the borough's portfolio holder for environment and transport Cllr Robert Lawton, he said: "I am surprised that the decision to withdraw funding has been reached.

"It is highly unusual for a bus service to operate every 20 minutes during the day but not to have an evening or Sunday service.

Cllr Lawton said: "This is part of a number of changes to bus services in Bournemouth.

"The reason ward councillors were not consulted is that under council protocol, changes in bus services which could be considered sensitive are not released until after an election."

But Cllr Whittaker said: "This is deceitful.

"It's a disgrace that the local elections are being used as an excuse; the council magazine is made up weeks in advance and it is obvious a decision was made even earlier. The whole thing stinks."

Jenni Wilkinson from Transdev Yellow Buses said: "The 4b service relied on support from Bournemouth council but funding has been withdrawn due to low passenger numbers.

"However, a number of alternative services are available, including the 4a, 5a and 5b along Wimborne Road or the 2b from Castle Lane.

"While some routes are cut or reduced, other busier routes benefit from new or more frequent services."

7:00pm Saturday 10th May 2008

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Posted by: Carl Barron, Dorset on 8:00pm Sat 10 May 08

Since the 'Concessionary Bus Passes' were introduced there has been numerous reports of Bus Companies cutting services Nation-wide.

The Bus Companies cannot honestly say that this system is loosing them revenue as those travelling by Concessionary Bus Passes are mainly taking up seats that would normally be empty during off peak periods. This system represents a new revenue stream for all bus companies, which they must appreciate.

Central Government must also realise that it too has a 'New Vast Revenue Stream' from those who are out spending thier disposable income , and therefore must release the funding to cover this project long term, if the 'New Revenue Streams' from disposable income are to continue. The main beneficiary being HM Treasury.

Posted by: plymothiantransit, plymouth on 8:52pm Sat 10 May 08
If the bus companies were getting extra revenue in this way then they wouldnt be cutting services - they would be expanding them. If the companies were getting anything like the actual bus fares - or even the previous concessionary fares for these extra passengers then there would not be a problem. Buses are not always running empty during off peak hours.
Posted by: Carl Barron, Dorset on 9:43pm Sat 10 May 08
Posted by: plymothiantransit, plymouth on 8:52pm today

Quote If the bus companies were getting extra revenue in this way then they wouldn't be cutting services.

Reply That's the whole point. They the Bus Companies are getting a 'New Revenue Stream .' They are just being Greedy . They want thier Cake and Eat it.

This scheme has worked for many years in London there it covers both Buses and The Underground Trains.

The system has been Proof Tested over many years. Hence there is no argument as to its workability is there?

Posted by: mcl, Bournemouth on 9:45pm Sat 10 May 08
I'm not sure I understand what this has to do with elections - surely the by-elections weren't in wards covering Muscliffe. So it's just an excuse...
Posted by: Carl Barron, Dorset on 10:26pm Sat 10 May 08

Considering the following :

There was no consultation about council funding being withdrawn for the Yellow Buses'

The Council are at fault for not negotiating with Central Government as other Councils have to gain additional revenue in this respect.

Posted by: Nick, Bournemouth on 12:58am Sun 11 May 08
Why is it still called a bus service? Since Yellows have been privatised it is now a bus business! They have to make a profit for their shareholders. The only losers are those that have to actually rely on the busses.
Hey Mr Chancellor. Here is your chance. I suggest a reduction in tax on booze, fags, petrol and guns.
Increase to 100% VAT on white sticks, wheelchairs, heath care and home care.
Why not penalise those who can’t hit back?
Oh! You already do, sorry.
Posted by: Jayteer, Bournemouth on 8:44am Sun 11 May 08
Jenni Wilkinson from Transdev Yellow Buses said: "The 4b service relied on support from Bournemouth council but funding has been withdrawn due to low passenger numbers.

"However, a number of alternative services are available, including the 4a, 5a and 5b along Wimborne Road or the 2b from Castle Lane.

All well and good-If people can GET ot castle Lane or anywhere else.
This is simply a cop out- And i wish this had been published a week ago-As ive just paid 130 odd quid for a 90 day pass, to get me to and from work on the 4b. So having parted with all this money, are they really expecting me to WALK to catch ANOTHER bus?
Talk about rubbing salt into an open wound.
They can sit and swivel on it-I wont be renewing my bus pass-Noone likes bieng taken for a mug.
Public service?
Bournemouth Borough Council and Yellow Buses havent an inch of a clue what this means, and i would sooner pay my council tax to the smurfs than these muppets. How embarrasing.
Posted by: 2Much, New Forest on 9:06am Sun 11 May 08
Jayteer wrote:
Jenni Wilkinson from Transdev Yellow Buses said: "The 4b service relied on support from Bournemouth council but funding has been withdrawn due to low passenger numbers.

"However, a number of alternative services are available, including the 4a, 5a and 5b along Wimborne Road or the 2b from Castle Lane.

All well and good-If people can GET ot castle Lane or anywhere else.
This is simply a cop out- And i wish this had been published a week ago-As ive just paid 130 odd quid for a 90 day pass, to get me to and from work on the 4b. So having parted with all this money, are they really expecting me to WALK to catch ANOTHER bus?
Talk about rubbing salt into an open wound.
They can sit and swivel on it-I wont be renewing my bus pass-Noone likes bieng taken for a mug.
Public service?
Bournemouth Borough Council and Yellow Buses havent an inch of a clue what this means, and i would sooner pay my council tax to the smurfs than these muppets. How embarrasing.
If you've paid that money a week before they stopped the route..that, in my eyes, is pure robbery! They must have had it all worked out beforehand, yet still take your hard earned cash!!
That's disgusting!
Posted by: Phil, Poole on 3:49pm Sun 11 May 08
Jayteer wrote:
Jenni Wilkinson from Transdev Yellow Buses said: "The 4b service relied on support from Bournemouth council but funding has been withdrawn due to low passenger numbers.

"However, a number of alternative services are available, including the 4a, 5a and 5b along Wimborne Road or the 2b from Castle Lane.

All well and good-If people can GET ot castle Lane or anywhere else.
This is simply a cop out- And i wish this had been published a week ago-As ive just paid 130 odd quid for a 90 day pass, to get me to and from work on the 4b. So having parted with all this money, are they really expecting me to WALK to catch ANOTHER bus?
Talk about rubbing salt into an open wound.
They can sit and swivel on it-I wont be renewing my bus pass-Noone likes bieng taken for a mug.
Public service?
Bournemouth Borough Council and Yellow Buses havent an inch of a clue what this means, and i would sooner pay my council tax to the smurfs than these muppets. How embarrasing.
I'd ask for a refund if I were you. If they won't offer one, report them to Trading Standards.
Posted by: Alan Gilbert, Bearwood on 5:46pm Sun 11 May 08
This should come as no surprise as Bournemouth Council obviously do not want anything or anybody north of Castle Lane. Closure of Townsend School, cutting the buses, how much life is left for any other council run services to this community ?

I would suggest that you all declare UDI and form your own local authority as Bournemouth Borough Council obviously isn't fit for purpose.
Posted by: PETE WOODLEY on 5:53pm Sun 11 May 08
Alan,do you live in the Poole or Bournemouth part of Bearwood.?.
Posted by: Ashley Miller, Bournemouth on 7:10pm Sun 11 May 08
PETE WOODLEY wrote:
Alan,do you live in the Poole or Bournemouth part of Bearwood.?.
Can't see what difference it makes Pete? If Alan lives in Bournemouth , Poole or Liverpool he still has the right of free speech!
Posted by: PETE WOODLEY on 7:40pm Sun 11 May 08
Ashley Miller wrote:
PETE WOODLEY wrote:
Alan,do you live in the Poole or Bournemouth part of Bearwood.?.
Can't see what difference it makes Pete? If Alan lives in Bournemouth , Poole or Liverpool he still has the right of free speech!
Should have but if bournemouth people try to say anything re poole,we get told to worry about our own area,like having a say about branksome rec.
Posted by: Mark, Bournemouth on 11:35am Mon 12 May 08
The information that these bus services were to be revised was in the public domain - if people knew where to look.
In future search for the VOSA website and look at Notice & Proceedings for the Western Traffic Area.
An outline under operator name of new routes, changes and cuts to bus services is freely available. If you want more detail on a specific service you can buy the revised bus timetable information from the agency.
Normally eight weeks notice has to be given for a change to any licensed bus route.
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