As I mentioned in my column last week, I have been spending a lot of my time focused on local buses and addressing the issues which have recently arisen.
There has been lots of developments since last week’s publication and I wanted to set out where things stand (at the time of writing).
Firstly, school buses. Since becoming an MP I have never had more emails over a single local issue than the recent announcement relating to the school bus service from Sevenoaks being radically reduced.
Following my letters to the local bus company concerned (Go Coach) and Kent County Council (KCC) to express the deep distress local parents and children were feeling, I last week met with Kent County Council Leader Roger Gough and Cllr David Brazier, the KCC cabinet member responsible for transport.
The emerging positive news is that there has been initial agreement between Go Coach and KCC, which Go Coach say will leave the schools in Sevenoaks largely unaffected. There are also discussions over some resumption of service to Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. There is more detail to come and discussions to be had – including with other bus companies.
Go Coach have sent me a list in relation to their overall bus routes – which I have shared on my Facebook page. This provides outline information, and I appreciate fuller details will be required. Whilst this is a step forward, I will continue to press for more detail, both in relation to the Go Coach services, and other potential services as I remain deeply concerned about children getting to Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells schools. When these details are available, I will be sure to share them with you.
KCC will be also providing updates on their website: https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/travelling-around-kent/bus-travel/bus-services-in-kent
The second matter of concern relates to individual bus routes, including of most relevance for Chronicle readers, the #1, ‘2, #5 and #6, which as of last week no agreement had been reached to maintain the services. However, I’m pleased to say Go Coach and KCC have now reached an agreement and these services will be continuing. I understand there will be some additional morning services on the #1 and additional morning and afternoon services on the #6 with reductions at other times. Again, as soon as more information is available, I will provide an update on my Facebook page.
Buses are a lifeline for so many people in communities like ours, but rural buses in particularly are facing challenges. Whether its transporting teenagers to college, allowing pensioners to see their friends, or allowing people to travel to and from work, bus services sustain town centres, strengthen society, and protect the environment, and I will continue to campaign so that the services continue.
But we also must use them. My message to you all today is please use your bus routes. It is the best protection we can give them. I will be sharing updates over the summer on my Facebook page, so please do follow my page for the latest.
