CAMPAIGNERS are fighting to save a bus route that they describe as a 'lifeline'. First bus is axing 18 bus routes across the Bristol region from October 7, 2022, including the Number 5 bus that connects St Pauls, St Werburghs, Eastville, Stapleton and Downend.
Residents in St Werburghs and St Pauls have started a petition to save the Number 5 stating the service is a ‘lifeline’ connecting people to ‘essential services’ which are lacking in the local area.
Metro mayor Dan Norris who is responsible for transport in the West of England said that he is disappointed in the decision by First to cut services and is working with it on a recruitment drive. Mr Norris said the region is short of 100 drivers as a result of the government encouraging bus drivers to train as HGV drivers and some returning to Europe.
