"Many Photos" - Nearly half of all bus routes could be scrapped due to lack of funding

NEARLY half of all bus services could be scrapped because of a funding shortfall, councils have warned

The Local Government Association (LGA) claims a £652 million shortfall in the free bus pass scheme means local services may have to be axed.

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Almost half of all bus routes are at risk of being axed[/caption]

Councils say they are being forced to fill the gap between a cut in government funding and the cost of the scheme.

Free bus passes for off-peak travel are a legal entitlement for people aged over 65, or those with a disability.

But budget pressures mean councils are spending less on items such as free peak travel, school transport and supported rural services.

Nearly half of all bus routes in England receive subsidies from councils.

The LGA warn these services are at risk as councils will struggle to maintain current levels of support unless they are given more funding.

It wants the Government to reinstate the full funding of the costs of the national concessionary travel scheme.

LGA transport spokesman Martin Tett said: “An estimated funding gap of £652 million a year for concessionary travel is unsustainable for councils already struggling to protect other subsidised bus travel in rural areas, or helping young people with their travel costs.

“Properly funding the national free bus pass scheme is essential if the Government wants councils to be able to maintain our essential bus services, reduce congestion and protect vital routes.

“If this is not addressed in the Spending Review it could lead to older people having a free bus pass but no bus to travel on.”

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The number of local bus passenger journeys in England fell by 85 million or 1.9 per cent in the year ending March 2018, according to recent Department for Transport figures.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “It is for councils to decide which bus operations to support in their areas, but we help to subsidise costs through around £250 million worth of investment every year.

“£42 million of this is devolved to local authorities and a further £1 billion from Government funds the free bus pass scheme, benefiting older and disabled people across the country.”

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News Photo Nearly half of all bus routes could be scrapped due to lack of funding
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