Bath MP Wera Hobhouse is seeking to use her leverage to help alleviate the current bus crisis in Bath, following weeks of worsening traffic congestion.
Mrs Hobhouse has met with Transport Minister Baroness Vere and the Managing Director of First West of England, Doug Claringbold to discuss the issue, which worsens significantly at weekends, to see what can be done.
Local buses are under the control of the West of England Combined Authority Mayor, Labour’s Dan Norris, and central Government, but the Bath MP is hoping to use her influence to alleviate the problems being faced.
In the meeting with First Bus, Doug Claringbold raised concerns about funding from central Government, shortages of bus drivers, and people not wearing face masks.
Mr Claringbold reiterated the importance of wearing a face covering while on board and the Bath MP and Dan Norris backed calls to make it mandatory.
Mr Claringbold has also raised concerns that the Recovery Funding and financial support provided to First Bus was based on the assumption that demand would grow by an amount that has not yet been seen.
Commenting after both meetings, Wera Hobhouse said: “Ultimately, we want to avoid any local bus services being cut. There is a cliff edge approaching in April and Government support must look to address this gap.
“Some residents are avoiding using buses because they can see that not all bus passengers are wearing face masks, putting others at risk.
“With Covid cases still high, people feel safer in cars. The Government should make it mandatory for passengers on all public transportation to wear masks.
“We need a long-term solution to a problem that has an impact on residents’ lives.”
Doug Claringbold said: “I was pleased to meet with Wera Hobhouse to discuss the issues affecting Bath’s buses.
“The last few months have been challenging given the national driver shortage, high levels of sickness and staff having to self-isolate when necessary to protect both our customers and colleagues.
“We have been grateful for the financial support from the government given through the pandemic.
“Buses have a massive role to play in providing connected transport to communities and addressing the climate emergency.
“However, the future remains uncertain with the level of bus patronage across the country being less than previously anticipated and financial support to the current network ending in April next year.
“It was very useful to discuss these issues with Wera and to recognise her very significant support and advocacy for existing and future bus customers.”
The Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, Cllr Sarah Warren, commented: “Government must provide more financial support to help bus services get back on their feet and deliver a service that matches our ambition in response to the climate emergency.
“We need to get more people feeling happy and confident to go on buses in the knowledge that they are both safe and reliable.
“I support calls for mandatory face coverings on public transport and look forward to working to bring back Bath’s buses.”
Wearing face masks on public transport and in shops will become compulsory again from tomorrow, Tuesday 30th November, in response to the new Omicron coronavirus variant.