BUS USERS' ANGER AT SERVICE CUTS (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

BUS USERS' ANGER AT SERVICE CUTS

July 20, 2009 4:45 PM

Dozens of local bus users from Perranwell, Ponsanooth and Stithians vented their anger at First Bus Group's top execs last week, when a travelling "information bus" came to their area.

The bus visited Perranwell and Ponsanooth following a request by local MP Julia Goldsworthy. She has been inundated with letters from local residents who are adversely affected by recent changes to the bus timetables. The visit gave bus passengers the opportunity to outpour their frustrations in person to First Group Management.

In Perranwell and Ponsanooth, half hourly services to Truro have now been replaced with a service once every two hours. Other passengers wanted to complain about the age and cleanliness of many of the buses that service the route.

Several residents from Stithians also made the trip to Ponsanooth and Perranwell. They were mainly concerned that changes to the bus timetable now make it impossible for students at Truro College to get to the site by public transport. Managing Director of First Devon and Cornwall Marc Reddy promised to look at the problem, with a view to re-routing another bus via the village to ensure students can get to college on time.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"A large number of residents in Ponsanooth, Perranwell and Stithians feel that they have been left isolated following recent changes to the bus timetables. The travelling information bus gave passengers the opportunity not only to express their frustrations, but also to suggest practical changes that could improve the services.

"Managing Director of First Devon and Cornwall Marc Reddy has promised to look at their suggestions, which include switching some of the council subsidised services on Sundays and in the evenings to in the daytime during the week. I will be following this up with First Buses and Cornwall Council, to see what can be done to better fit local bus services around people's needs.

"If our local villages are to be truly sustainable, it's vital that local services are protected. Access to public transport is an important part of this equation."