The latest information from the Traffic Commissioners reveals there are just 8,781 registered bus routes now available, down from the 17,393 services running in 2010. Services have been reduced by 52% in the Northwest, 50% in the Northeast, 45% in the East, 43% in the West and 29% in the Southeast. Some rural towns and villages are now being described as no go areas.
Stephen Brookes of DR UK says “Many Disabled people depend on local essential bus services for day-to-day activities including visiting doctors or hospitals, but they face bus service cutbacks and reduced freedom year after year.”
In some more rural areas there used to be three bus services a day but now there is a reduction to just one.
One person impacted said “I used to meet up with my friends three times a week, on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday but now I only get to see them every other week. So now I’m stuck in here at home.”
Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), said: "Bus remains the nation's most popular type of public transport and passenger numbers are increasing year-on-year by over 10%. But bus operators are facing challenging economic conditions with industry costs up by 17% over the last year, according to CPT research. Against this backdrop, we have been clear the 21-month bus funding settlement from Government is not sufficient to save every service.”
Disability Rights UK are urgently pressing for better support and increased finance for bus services which, despite being promoted by the Department for Transport, are at the same time being given less operational funding by the Government.