Ruth Edwards has welcomed the announcement that the £2 fare limit will stay in place for bus services in the same week that the new on-demand bus service launches in rural Rushcliffe villages.
The Government has invested £200 million to extend the £2 cap, along with a further £300 million to support local bus services through to 2025 to help people as they face the increase in the cost of living. £1.2 million of this funding has been awarded to Nottinghamshire.
Locally, Ruth has worked to maintain the vital rural transport links across Rushcliffe after they have struggled to recover from the pandemic.
One of the bus routes under threat was the Skylink service, a vital link for many residents of rural villages in Rushcliffe.
Ruth, along with Cllrs Neil Clarke and Matt Barney intervened to secure funding from Department of Transport and Nottinghamshire County Council to keep the route open whilst a permanent solution was worked out.
The trio then successfully campaigned for an on-demand bus service that links the villages in a West Rushcliffe travel zone to other transport hubs, including East Midland Airport, East Midlands Parkway Station and Clifton South Park and Ride.
The new, more flexible, system will operate a peak time service for school children and commuters, whilst allowing residents to be travel between any bus stops or named destinations within the West Rushcliffe Zone throughout the rest of the day. This will mean that people can access a wider variety of locations or easily link up with other traditional transport services when travelling further afield.
Ruth said:
“I am delighted that the new on-demand buses will keep existing transport routes across Rushcliffe and provide constituents with new, more flexible routes. This, combined with the Government’s extension of the £2 fare cap will make bus travel more affordable and convenient for people.”
“I know how important these bus routes are, especially to those in the more rural communities. This innovative solution will increase peoples access to services and neighbouring villages, all while providing the best value for money for the taxpayer.
“I will continue to work with local councillors to maintain bus transport links around the rural areas of Rushcliffe. I want to hear the thoughts of residents about this new on demand service how we can continue to improve our rural transport links.”
To give your views to Ruth, you can fill out her bus routes survey here: https://www.ruthedwards.org.uk/news/bus-services-rushcliffe-survey
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
“I’m delighted that we have been able to set up this new service in such a short space of time.
“We realise how important the peak time journeys are for local commuters, students and the community. By looking at demand, and linking up with existing bus services, we can provide people in Nottinghamshire with the transport they need while offering the best value for money.”
“The new Nottsbus Connect Service 866 will also link up to our new Nottsbus on Demand service covering West Rushcliffe, giving local people more choice as to when and how they travel.”
The County Council currently spends £4.1 million supporting local bus services, whilst also investing in green buses and infrastructure.”
Matt Barney who represents the area on Nottinghamshire County Councillor and has been championing the preservation of rural bus links said:
“I was deeply concerned with the loss of the Skylink bus route as I know how vital this service was for residents that relied upon it.
“I am delighted to have secured this new on-demand service which offers many more transport, social and employment options for those living in my ward.”