Rural Bus Service Cuts Impact Student Commutes

A mother has voiced concerns regarding reductions in a rural bus schedule, stating that these changes have made her adolescent daughter dependent on relatives for transportation to school. The Arriva-operated number 33 service, which connects Milton Keynes and Northampton, saw its frequency decreased from hourly to every two hours earlier this month, a change attributed to funding reductions. Suzi Stocker, a resident of Hartwell near Northampton, indicated that this alteration prevented her 16-year-old child from undertaking the 13-mile commute to and from college via public bus. The 50-year-old stated, “My daughter is really angry because her independence is now gone.” She added, “This has forced [different family members] to pick her up at different times.” A petition has been initiated, urging West Northamptonshire Council to enhance rural bus provisions within the locality. Residents residing in the Hartwell, Ashton, Roade, Quinton, and Wootton areas report that the absence of adequate bus services hinders their access to educational institutions and employment opportunities. Mrs Stocker further commented, “Buses in rural areas are a necessity, especially for young people who can’t drive and older people who no longer drive.” Although the college proposed a taxi service for Mrs Stocker’s daughter, the family declined it due to its annual cost of £600. She asserted that the council bears a duty of care to provide transportation for her daughter to and from college. Lucy Wakelin, 42, also a resident of Hartwell, recounted a comparable situation. Her son, a student at Wootton High, located six-and-a-half miles distant, now relies on family members adjusting their work schedules to provide rides home post-school, a circumstance she described as “unsustainable.” Ms Wakelin commented, “It’s a joke. My frustration is the villages are completely reliant on this one service, and we’re at their mercy. “They’ve cut the key times that the community depends on. It’s so wrong.”” She further stated, “A proper consultation is needed. I see the [number 33] bus running during the day, and it’s empty.” Phil Larratt, the council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, remarked, “The 33 bus service is operated by Arriva in contract with Milton Keynes City Council.” He continued, “West Northamptonshire Council contributes to the service but is not the owner of the contract.” Larratt added, “We will be carrying out a review into public transport need within the area and will be exploring options to mitigate some of the issues raised by residents early next year.”