Nottingham Community Transport, Age UK, Bus Users UK, Lilian Greenwood MP and passengers asked Nottingham City Council to reconsider proposals to cut back bus services in the area last week.
The results of a council meeting to discuss the plans were due to be announced when CBW went to press on 4 March.
The proposals include the full withdrawal and a reduction in frequency of a number of Nottingham Community Transport’s Locallink and Worklink services.
Passengers and industry organisations have criticised the plans, arguing that they will lead to:
• Longer waiting times for buses;
• A change of bus and use of two services, instead of one;
• More crowded buses;
• Use of other, more costly services;
• Compromised safety and security (through longer walks to alternative services);
• Curbing of choice; and
• The mobility of older and more vulnerable members of the community being compromised.
Nottingham Community Transport has been given notice that council funding for the L22/L23 Locallink services will be withdrawn, with the last day of operation being Saturday 1 June 2019.
Mick Tinkler, Chief Executive of Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “A lack of access to transport can have a profound impact on the quality of life, health and wellbeing of those in later life.
“For those without access to a car, particularly those who are lonely or isolated, reliable public transport or community transport is essential for attending medical appointments, going to the shops and visiting friends, relatives and social groups.
“There seems little point in decimating local transport and then having to invest in services to deal with the aftermath. We would implore the council to make every effort to continue to fund Locallink services and other such transport initiatives that enable Nottinghamshire’s older people to continue to access services and enjoy their later life.”
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