New website launched dedicated to supporting local buses

A new website has been launched to promote and support the issue of using local buses, designed for the general public to go to as a source of reference and information.

saveyourlocalbus.co.uk – a new website launched to promote and support the issue of using local buses, designed for the general public to go to as a source of reference and information.

Conceived and created by bus and coach manufacturer Mellor, the site highlights and discusses issues that bus service cuts bring and the affect they have on society. These include topics such as social isolation, impediment of employment opportunities and hindering access to vital healthcare services, such as hospitals and general practices.

It also includes facts and figures, as well as discussing potential solutions in the form of utilising smaller, size-appropriate buses that can provide a more cost effective answer to the problem of falling passenger numbers on some local routes.

“Our consultations with passengers and operators alike led us to creating this central hub where information and data can be found for those who may be concerned about losing their local buses,” said John Randerson, Managing Director for Mellor. “All around the UK, local bus services are becoming increasingly difficult to access for those who need and rely on regular and reliable public transport.

“The Local Government Association has carried out research which has shown how subsidised bus services have been significantly hit during this last year, with some options being cut by more than 12%.

“While use of smaller buses isn’t the whole answer, they can go a long way to keeping costs down and allowing services to be more viable and in turn, maintained rather than terminated.  The other benefit is to the environment, as smaller buses use much less fuel and produce fewer emissions.”

For more information and to download your own guide to getting involved in the campaign, visit www.saveyourlocalbus.co.uk