Statement by Councillor Stephen Barry-Stanners and Councillor Barry Phillipson on Stagecoach bus cuts.
We are deeply disappointed that Stagecoach has announced that it will be cutting its evening number 7 bus route, which runs from the Freeman Hospital to the Metrocentre via Lemington ward.
They have announced that from the week of May 11th three journeys on the 7 bus will be removed Monday to Saturday and five on a Sunday. This cut will mean there will be no direct link from Lemington ward to the Freeman hospital or the Metrocentre after 8pm Monday to Saturday or after 6pm on a Sunday. This risks leaving countless Lemington residents stranded with no public transport.
It is even more disappointing that they have made this announcement without holding any consultation with the public, or indeed us as elected representatives of the Lemington ward.
Stagecoach takes millions of pounds from North East passengers and significant public subsidy, they can afford to keep these services running but have made this decision based purely on them maintaining their high profit margin.
Cuts to services like this show that the current bus system is broken and not meeting the needs of our communities. Buses are a public service and should run for local people – not profit. This is why we’re pleased that North East mayor Kim McGuinness has already started the legal process to bring buses back into public control.
Today we have written to Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East. You can read our letter below.
