Threat to Rural Bus Services
West Derbyshire's Member of Parliament, Patrick McLoughlin, is concerned about threats to rural bus services. As Patrick explained,
‘One in three adults in rural areas do not have personal access to a car and this shows the vital role that public transport, and particularly buses, play in combating isolation in these areas. The loss of key services in rural areas in recent years, including shops, post offices and banks, has increased the problem in rural areas.’
But this is not the only problem with rural buses. For routes over 50 kms, (31 miles) changes have been made in relation to compulsory rest breaks. There is also a new legal requirement for all buses on such routes to have a tachograph installed. This costs around £1600. It is leading to some local bus operators finding that it is no longer practical or economical to operate buses on routes over 31 miles. This is a particular problem for routes in rural areas, for instance, the 6.1 Trent service covering Matlock and Wirksworth. .
Although this change was first proposed by the European Commission in 2001, Britain had a derogation, which meant there were ways around the European rules for British bus companies. But now the rules all apply to the UK too. Unfortunately, the possible effects on bus route length do not appear to have been considered by the Government.
Patrick explained,
“These rules are sensible for coach and HGV drivers who must cover hundreds of miles on motorways, with few breaks. But this is very different to driving a bus through Derbyshire villages, with passengers getting on and off frequently. Unfortunately, the Government doesn’t appreciate the difference
“I am writing to Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport, to ask her to look again at these rules. These rules are threatening bus services through some of the most isolated parts of my constituency, where some of my most vulnerable constituents rely on them to access vital facilities in local towns. Bus companies are making some constructive suggestions for how the situation can be addressed, and I very much hope the Government will give them serious consideration.”
