Bus Services Slashed by Over 90% Since 2010
A shocking new study by the i newspaper reveals that council-run bus services in England have been cut by more than 90% since 2010. Millions of passengers now face fewer options for commuting, running errands, and socialising – with devastating effects on communities nationwide.
16 Million Miles of Routes Vanished
The cutbacks have wiped out a staggering 16 million miles of bus routes. From scenic Cumbria to urban centres like Hull and berkshire999.co.uk/where/stoke-on-trent/" title="Stoke-on-Trent" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Stoke-on-Trent, bus services have been decimated, leaving many stranded.
Hardest Hit Areas
- Cumbria: Once thriving rural and urban bus routes here have all but disappeared, hitting communities hard.
- Hull: The historic city has lost over £131 million in funding since 2010. Local Lib Dem leader Mike Ross calls the crisis urgent and alarming.
- Stoke-on-Trent, Portsmouth, Southampton, Nottingham, and Slough: These spots have seen savage cuts of 95% to 98%, forcing residents to find costly alternatives.
North of England Worst Affected
England’s north has suffered a brutal 32% drop in bus services, far worse than the national average cut of 22%. Dr Tom Jarvis from Transport for the North (TfN) says the figures are “absolutely staggering.”
“Local authority-supported services have pretty much disappeared since 2010. People are being left very constrained. They rely on others for lifts or resort to taxis when they can afford them,” explains Dr Jarvis.
The TfN survey paints a grim picture: many are skipping essentials like food and utilities to pay for cars or taxis. Others are housebound with no transport alternatives.
Transport for the North Unveils Bold Recovery Plan
In response, TfN has launched a new transport blueprint to tackle the crisis head-on. The key goals are:
- Cut Car Dependency: Get people off private cars and back on public transport.
- Expand Capacity: Boost public transport networks to meet growing demand.
- Promote Social Inclusion: Cut social exclusion by one million people by 2050.
With millions impacted and communities struggling, urgent action is needed to reverse this bus service nightmare.
