Your article (Nearly five rural bus services in England have disappeared in the past five years, June 7The operating costs or the purposes of rural bus services (and suburbs) have not covered. The bulk of its use is different from those who have low income, especially retirees, who mostly cannot withstand a car or unable to drive a car. More than 20 % of families in the UK cannot reach a car. Passengers’ demand for these services is relatively low in numbers, but for those who use them, it is usually the only way they can access to stores, go to the doctor, watch friends and so on. I have heard many describe local bus service as a lifeline.
The problem is costly – but also regarding the image – is that the large standard bus, which carries six or seven passengers a lot, is very expensive to work, and for spectators in their cars, the “wasteful” use of the council tax.
The best and cheapest option is to use 16 -seat small buses. This is clear that this is a much lower capital cost, but it is also much lower operating costs, especially the cost of drivers as they are not required to obtain public service vehicles licenses but only, if it is less than 70 years old, a natural driver’s license. It is also more capable of maneuvering below the rural corridors or about residential properties. The local nature of the service means that ordinary passengers know ordinary drivers, of course, each other, creating a friendly and supportive environment. The experience is often very important for a person who lives alone.
Currently, all small buses are transformed into the passenger process. If the government realizes that small buses are the most cost-effective solution for rural bus services, there is an opportunity here for project owners-or perhaps the government-to build small buses specifically for passengers.
Mike Parker
General Director, Nexus (Tyne And wearing passengers Transmission Executive), 1994-2006; Chair, Western community transportation oxfordshire2023-24
