A bus operator has been accused of operating a 'scorched earth' policy in cutting services in deprived communities.
Birkenhead MP Mick Whitley has told the operator Arriva that 'enough is enough' and demanded a meeting to discuss the company's proposed service reductions in his constituency. Arriva and a number of private operators are planning to reduce bus routes and services across the Liverpool City Region government funding that was allocated during the pandemic is set to run out.
Mr Whitley said: "The private companies are busting a gut to make as much money as they can by slashing services to the routes in some of Birkenhead’s poorest and most deprived areas prior to Liverpool City Region re-regulating the buses. But as well as bringing them back under municipal control, we urgently needed to stop Arriva’s scorched earth policy now."
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He added: “Both Bidston St James and Rock Ferry wards have been identified as ‘left behind neighbourhoods. Both are in the top 10% of deprived communities nationwide. And while the cuts will have a terrible impact across the constituency, this smacks of a deliberate move by Arriva to hit the poorest areas hardest.”
The Labour MP said that the deregulation of bus services by Margaret Thatcher's government in the 1980s was 'built on the twin pillars of Tory lies and private profits', adding: "We have one of the most disjointed, unreliable, and expensive bus services in the western world as a result."
The MP said he is especially angry about Arriva’s proposed cuts given that bus routes in Birkenhead have already been hit hard by cuts and reduced timetables. He added: “It is outrageous for Arriva to reduce an already paltry bus service even further, particularly in the evenings, on Sundays and on bank holidays. People living in Beechwood, Noctorum, Rock Ferry and Prenton are feeling increasingly isolated. For residents spotting a bus in these areas is now more difficult than bird watchers catching a glimpse of the white-tailed eagle in the wild. I am saying no to the Arriva cuts.”
Responding to the comments, Richard Hoare, Regional Commercial Director North West and Wales said: "We would welcome the opportunity to meet with Mr Whitley for a constructive discussion to address his concerns. There is currently a consultation underway through the Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance, on potential bus network changes, which may come into effect later this year.
"Such a network review is a condition of receiving the final round of government funding to support the sector as it recovers from the pandemic. At this stage, no decisions have been made about any potential network changes and we will continue to keep our customers and stakeholders updated."
To see the full list of bus services that could be cut, click here.
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