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Review sparks fears over Peterborough bus services
BUS passengers in Peterborough are fearful for the future of city services as a major review takes place of the costs of running unprofitable routes.
BUS passengers in Peterborough are fearful for the future of city services as a major review takes place of the costs of running unprofitable routes.Some 24 sparsely used routes, which are vital to isolated communities, are subsidised by Peterborough City Council at a yearly cost to taxpayers of 1.3 million.
That sum, which is paid to private bus companies to operate the routes, has soared over the last five years from 236,000 as the costs of fuel, insurance, wages and maintenance of vehicles have risen.
Some of the funding to provide the subsidies also comes from the Department for Transport, the Big Lottery Fund and developer contributions to public services.
See routes under review - page 2
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Now council leaders are about to complete a review of the costs and effectiveness of the services, and a final decision on their future is expected to be announced next week.
Opponents fear some services may be cut and say this would dent Peterborough's dream of being recognised as the country's environment capital.
Liberal Democrat councillor Nick Sandford said: "We are lucky in Peterborough to currently have a good bus service. We don't want to see cuts to bus routes, especially if we are going down the environmental capital route."
"I think the urban areas could cope, but the main impact of any cuts would be on the elderly and disabled, particularly in rural areas."
Operations manager for green campaign group Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) Rachel Huxley said she hoped that Peterborough's bus services would continue to develop and improve.
"I'm sure the review will take into account the fact that our aim is to make bus transport a more appealing option for travellers so they don't even think twice about leaving their car at home," she said.
"Buses provide an important service for people living in more rural areas, particularly older people and teenagers who need to get around but may not drive.
"Buses also help reduce the number of cars on our roads easing congestion and harmful CO2 emissions."
Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, housing and communities councillor Peter Hiller said the review had been carried out with the city's eco-friendly aspirations firmly in mind.
"There is not a sword of Damocles hanging over any services.
"We are looking at providing more efficient routes, perhaps through better timings of services.
"The review will find out if tax payers' money could be contributed more effectively. Some services are more efficient than others.
He added: "We should end up with a more efficient and effective bus service."Routes under review
401/ 402 Thornhaugh - Wittering - Stamford - Barnack - Marholm - Bretton - New England - Kings School - Peterborough
404 Peterborough - Castor - Wansford - Wittering - Stamford - Wothorpe - Collyweston - Wansford - Castor - Peterborough
404 Stamford - Wothorpe - Collyweston - Duddington - Wansford - Thornaugh - Sutton - Castor - Bretton Centre - Peterborough
406 Werrington - Gunthorpe - Paston - Garton End - Queensgate - District Hospital - Netherton - Westwood- Ravensthorpe - Edith Cavell Hospital - Bretton Centre - North Bretton
407 Queensgate - Fletton - Stanground - Serpentine Green - The Ortons - Orton Northgate
407: Huntingdon - Ellington - Brington - Upton - Peterborough (fourth Wednesday of Month)
408 Bretton - Walton - New England - Millfield - Queensgate
410 Newborough - Eye - Dogsthorpe - Newark - Eastern Industry - Showcase Cinema - Fengate - Queensgate
411 Etton - Helpston - Maxey - Northborough - Glinton - Peakirk - Newborough - Dogsthorpe - Eastfield - Queensgate
201 Stamford - Barnack - Helpston - Glinton - Peterborough
9 Peterborough - Castor - Wansford - Wittering - Stamford - Great Casterton - Empingham Rutland Water - Oakham
342 Thorney - North Side - Whittlesey
403 Werrington - Glinton - Northborough - Maxey - Helpston - Barnack - Ufford - Marholm - Bretton Centre - Edith Cavell - Queensgate
413 Maxey - Northborough - Glinton - Peakirk - Werrington - Walton - Millfield - Queensgate
Park and Ride Upwood - Woodwalton - Conington - Hampton - Peterborough (Wednesdays)
37 Peterborough- Eye- Crowland- Spalding
1 Werrington Centre - Walton - Millfield - City Centre - The Ortons - Orton Wistow. Also serves Orton Southgate at peak times.
2 Gunthorpe - Paston - City Centre - District Hospital - Longthorpe - South Bretton - Edith Cavell Hospital - Bretton Centre
3 Edith Cavell Hospital - Bretton Centre - North Bretton - Westwood - City Centre - Fletton Avenue - Stanground Park - Farm/Yaxley
4 City Centre - Eastfield - Dogsthorpe - Welland - Newark
5 City Centre - Eastfield - Dogsthorpe - Bluebell
6 City Centre - London Road - Serpentine Green - Hampton Vale - Hampton Hargate
7 Yaxley - Stanground - Fletton - London Road - City Centre - Parnwell - Eye
14 Park and ride
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