County Tories urged to look again at axed city shuttle bus

Cambridge City Councillors are fighting to get the county council to look again at the axed city centre shuttle bus.

They want the bus, which provided a vital link to the city centre for elderly and disabled people, to be included in the county council’s review of bus subsidies.

It was axed in the first round of cuts despite pleas to spare it from numerous residents and city councillors.

The Tory-run county council, which planned to axe all bus subsidies across the county to save £2.7 million, has agreed a stay of execution for the remainder of the threatened services while a consultation and in-depth assessment is launched.

Tim Ward, Cambridge Executive Councillor for Planning and Sustainable Transport said: “The decision to cut the city centre shuttle bus was taken without any consultation with residents. The Tories on the county council had no idea how many people relied on this bus or how its removal would impact on their lives.

“Following the outcry about the withdrawal of bus subsidies generally, they have halted the process to allow residents to have their say; but this won’t help the city centre shuttle unless we can get it included in that consultation.

“It is completely unfair that our residents have lost their bus while other services may be saved. They should have the same opportunity to fight for their service.”

Cllr Ward will put forward a motion to members of Cambridge City Council calling on them to welcome the county council’s decision to consult on the withdrawal of bus subsidies and asking for the city centre shuttle bus to be included in the process.

The motion will be seconded by Cambridge City Council Leader, Sian Reid.

She said: “The city centre shuttle bus was a lifeline for many elderly and disabled residents of our city and yet it was taken away without any consultation.

“The county council’s decision to carry out a full consultation on the withdrawal of the remaining subsidies discriminates against the city centre shuttle which was taken away without the benefit of this process.”

Cllr Reid has also been fighting to save the threatened 199 bus which runs twice a week in her Newnham ward.

She added: “I welcome the fact that there will now be proper consultation. The 199 service is an invaluable way for the elderly and less mobile to reach the shops and have social contact with friends and acquaintances.”