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Write in support of Leighton's Buzzer Buses
Cash strapped council holding transport review
Passengers using the Buzzer Buses around Leighton are being urged to take part in a transport review by cost-cutting Central Beds Council.
All those who use the dial-a- ride should write to the council expressing their views on why they like the service and help ensure its long-term future. Buzzer Buses are collecting the letters now.
The Passenger Transport Review is being conducted in a background of the council's Executive resolving to address a potential budget overspend for local bus support by cutting a small number of poorly-used bus services. It spends 2million a year on transport, but a large number of services are not commercially viable because of low passenger numbers.
Despite Leighton-Linslade Buzzer Buses providing an important service, a worried 90-year-old contacted the LBO after fearing the service was about to be cut. She said: "I use the buses three times a week and rely on them to be able to do my shopping and get my hair done.
"I am frightened they may be trying to push us onto public transport and I cannot make the steps on normal buses. Also Buzzer Buses drop you right at the door and the drivers are so helpful. On a Thursday, two Buzzer buses operate to take people to the over 60s club in Leighton, they are always full. If the Buzzer Bus didn't run people wouldn't be able to get there and the club may close. For some, the buses are their only way of getting a bit of shopping – it's all they do all week."
"Buzzer Buses are a vital and valuable service for the elderly and disabled in the town. What else do Central Beds give us?
Central Beds will make a decision by this summer.
Joan Coombes from Leighton-Linslade Buzzer Buses in New Road, Linslade said: "I do not want my passengers worried unnecessarily. We gave out the letters so they can tell the council what the Buzzer Buses mean to them. They should hand them into the Buzzer Bus drivers. It is all transport being reviewed in Bedfordshire, not just the Buzzer Buses."
Buzzer Buses trustee Tony Betley echoed Joan's concerns and as treasurer reassured passengers that Buzzer Buses were funded until 2011/12 financial year.
He said: "We don't know what is happening long term. We rely on Central Beds Council for a large majority of funding, with other money coming in from annual grants, the town council and fundraising. It would be good to hand box-loads of support over to the council."
Central Beds Councillor David McVicar said: "We are pleased to confirm that Buzzer Buses,as well as otherdial-a-ride services, will continue to be funded this coming year.Our transport team has recently carried out a review into local supported bus servicesto find out how many people use these services,and although this processhas now been completed,the information will also be used tofeed into the Transport Review consultation currently being carried out.
"The TransportReviewwas launchedfollowing unitary transitioninMarch 2009and is reviewing all local transport services to ensure we are delivering high quality and value for money services. Comments from local bus users arethereforevitally important in this processso we welcome feedbackfrom usersand we would encourage people to write to us with their comments and suggestions about their localbus services.
"I would like to reassurelocal people that we will keeptheminformed about theTransportReview and anybus services which are likely to be affected."
>> Those wanting to write in support of the Buzzer Buses should send their letters to Joan Coombes, Buzzer Buses Ltd, 31 New Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2LS, as soon as possible.
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
