Late running service from City Council needs to change, according to Stephen Morgan MP
MP for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, has called for City Council chiefs to step up and work with First Bus to replace bus services lost in the latest round of cuts.
Mr Morgan yesterday met again with Marc Reddy, Managing Director of the bus company, to raise constituents concerns and discuss cooperation with officials to find solutions to recent lost services.
In line with statute, First Bus first notified the city council of planned changes affecting Old Portsmouth, Southsea and Tipner in June, but they have yet to announce any formal plans for mitigation.
Earlier this year, a Campaign for Better Transport report showed funding for supported buses has been halved in the last eight years.
Mr Morgan has raised the issue of bus services directly with Ministers in the House of Commons.
Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“It was really useful to meet again with the Managing Director of First Bus to share views raised with me by constituents over changes to local bus services.
I’m very concerned that services are falling by the wayside as fares increase. This is no way to build the sustainable public transport network our environment and our city needs.
So far we’ve heard nothing from the Council Leader about what he’s going to do about these route cancellations, despite the local authority being made aware months ago.
These changes could have a significant impact on social isolation and the accessibility of local services for our elderly in Portsmouth’s communities.
The administration needs to catch up and get round the table with Mr Reddy to find a practical solution. At best the services should be reinstated or a new service introduced.
Inaction just won’t do. I’ll continue to push for progress in this matter.”
