1 in 3 bus routes could be cut

The Sheffield Liberal Democrats have asked for urgent action as a fresh round of bus cuts is just weeks away - and South Yorkshire could lose around one in three bus routes by the Autumn!

If these cuts go ahead, it will have a major impact on the lives of many people who rely on the bus network to get around.

It is unclear at this stage how the cuts will be implemented, but it is likely that routes will be reduced or even discontinued altogether. This would leave many people without a reliable form of transport, and could have a significant impact on their ability to get to work, school, or the shops.

Sheffield Liberal Democrats have asked for urgent action as the first round of bus cuts will hit in the next few weeks.

The Lib Dems have been calling to scrap Labour's cosy deal with the bus companies for years. Their 'deal' has led to fewer passengers, higher prices, and cut services.

The Lib Dems would bring decisions about buses back in-house so we all have a say on bus routes, fares, and timetables.

Lib Dem transport spokesperson Councillor Andrew Sangar said, "Sheffield's buses are in crisis. Even before Covid we saw passenger numbers falling. And now we could lose up to one in three buses by the autumn.

"If we want to be serious about tackling climate change and reducing congestion then we need to be serious about improving our buses.

"One of the only places where buses have improved in the country is London so let's copy what they've done. Let's bring power over bus routes, fares, and timetables away from the bus companies and back in-house."

Lib Dem Mayoral Candidate in May, Councillor Joe Otten added, “The Lib Dems have been pushing for this new way of running buses for years. But unfortunately the previous Labour Mayor was in the job for 4 years and didn't start the process, so we are now left with these imminent cuts.

"We all know that excellent buses, trams, and trains are a key way to reduce pollution and congestion; and will contribute towards our zero carbon by 2030 pledge.”

“We believe that a good public transport system should run where people need it, when people need it, and at a price that is affordable.

"We need the Labour Mayor to join us in working to get our buses sorted and stop ‘missing the bus’ when it comes to public transport.”