Calls grow for a 'feasible franchising model' as bus route cuts loom

Calls grow for a 'feasible franchising model' as bus route cuts loom View Image

Bristol Live readers are concerned to hear that bus campaigners are warning of possible cuts to services across the West of England. Several routes in the Bristol area, currently subsidised by taxpayers, only have funding guaranteed until next April.

These supported services rely on money from a transport levy paid by local councils to the West of England Combined Authority, along with a government bus grant. The funding is passed to operators to run routes that are not commercially viable.

Campaigners say another £15m is needed to keep services running, citing rising driver wages and fuel costs. One service at risk is the Y8 in South Gloucestershire .

Fares across the region recently rose to £2.50, m