Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP, along with Cllrs Simon Myers and David Staveley, has met with Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire (KLCH) to raise concerns about recent changes to the 580 bus service between Skipton and Settle.
During a meeting on Monday, 11 May, with Damion Edwards, Operations Director at KLCH, Julian highlighted the impact that the reduced timetable is having on communities along the route.
Local residents have raised concerns about the effect on commuters, schoolchildren, and healthcare staff, as well as those attending medical appointments and carrying out everyday activities such as shopping and visiting family.
During the meeting, Mr Edwards outlined issues the company is facing in maintaining the previous timetable including passenger numbers outside of peak times, concessionary reimbursement rates, as well as recent rises in fuel prices.
The meeting follows Julian's letter to the Chancellor urging her to do what she can to mitigate the effects of these rises, due to the war in the Middle-East, on rural bus operators who are disproportionately impacted compared with their urban counterparts.
Speaking after the meeting, Julian said, “I am concerned about the impact the reduction to the 580 service is having on residents across our rural communities. Reliable public transport is essential for people getting to work, school and vital appointments.
"I am grateful to Mr Edwards for meeting with me and outlining the challenges facing the operator, and to Cllr Myers and Cllr Staveley for clearly setting out residents’ concerns.
"While it was reassuring to hear that passenger numbers on the 580 route have remained stable, I will continue working with the operator, local councillors and others to help ensure our rural bus services are protected and supported.”
