Many constituents have been in contact with me regarding the proposed cuts by Stagecoach to bus services in our local area, writes LUCY FRAZER, MP FOR SE CAMBRIDGESHIRE.
Cuts to these services would have a devastating impact on the large numbers of my constituents who rely on public transport in Ely, Soham, Fordham, Stuntney, Bottisham, Lode, Swaffham Prior, Reach, Burwell and Witchford.
That is why it is important that these services are protected.
I share your grave concerns.
I have written to the Mayor, Dr Nik Johnson for clarification on the Combined Authority’s response to Stagecoach’s plans, which if they go ahead, will leave many parts of South East Cambridgeshire un-serviced by public transport.
I understand that the Combined Authority has identified £1.7 million of funding to maintain existing bus services, albeit only until March 2023.
I also understand that the process of putting together a proposal will take three weeks to complete before it is put to the Combined Authority Board on 19 October.
I have consequently asked the mayor to clarify the following points:
1: Will the Combined Authority’s proposals be made public prior to being taken to the Board on 19 October?
2: How do they intend to engage with local stakeholders (e.g., local councils, MPs etc.) to develop their proposal, and what plans are in place to keep local stakeholders updated?
3: The criteria against which services be graded (e.g., passenger numbers, rurality etc)?
4: If they anticipate any other changes to maintained services (e.g., reduced frequency of services, changes to fares etc)?
5: What action they intend to take to preserve these bus services beyond March 2023?
I have also asked for a meeting in my capacity as the local MP before 19 October to discuss how we can protect bus services in my constituency.
I will continue to keep constituents updated of any correspondence and updates that I receive.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a statement released by MP Lucy Frazer two days ago.
