Liberal Democrats call for a Bus Users Group

3.11.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Jun 2008

First Bus

Following the Scrutiny Review of the bus services in the Norwich Area the Liberal Democrats have backed the resolution to set up a Bus Users Group to build on the work of the Committee.

Liberal Democrat City Councillor Judith Lubbock who was a member of the Scrutiny Bus Review Committee said "It was an extensive piece of work bringing together Councillors from Norwich, South Norfolk, Broadland and the County. The input from bus users was terrific with over 400 responses and the evidence from the bus operators was very informative. To ensure there is an ongoing review and that the many conclusions and resolutions are not lost we need to set up a dedicated group."

Speaking at the Council meeting on Tuesday the Liberal Democrats said much good work had been achieved and now it was important to build on this ensuring that a Bus Watch Group was set up.

Cllr Lubbock went on to say that,"There may be emerging policy from the Government which may mean there is a greater opportunity for bus operators to co-operate with one another rather than be in direct competition which is sometimes not in the passengers' interest. There are issues of ensuring accessibility is achieved before 2017 (the deadline for DDA accessibility), that through ticketing is championed and that services such as the hospital receive direct bus services. Buses are so important for the city and the surrounding area that we cant leave it to chance that services develop in a way that is compatible with user needs. We should have a dedicated group championing the cause of the bus user and putting pressure on the bus operators to improve their services where necessary."

It is hoped that the County Council along with the other District Councils will give support to the setting up of this Users Group. Hopefully the bus operators will also see the benefit of such a group and support the idea.

The Liberal Democrat Group on the City Council will be urging the Executive to support the report's conclusions and resolutions by ensuring a Bus Users Group is set up. It is expected the Norwich City Council Executive will consider the report in the near future.