A RAT is fighting for the return of a “popular” bus service in the city.
St. John’s City Councilor Richard Udall is trying to reconnect a bus service that was stopped during the pandemic.
He said: “Bus 31, which used to run on Laugherne Road from Crowngate bus station to Henwick Park, has missed a full stretch of the route for over twelve months, meaning people live on Laugherne Road, Comer Road and Buck Street areas missed their bus.
“The bus was removed when social distancing prevented them from using smaller buses. They had to use larger buses that couldn’t go over the weak railway bridge on Comer Road. With restrictions now being lifted, there are concerns that the first bus will not return. ” the service to its previous route – leaving a large parish in St. John’s with no bus service. ”
He added that this is a popular bus route and many people rely on it for access to the city center as well as St. John’s shops and services.
“I know First Bus is a commercial company. I know they only exist to make money for their shareholders, but they also have a public duty,” he said.
A First Worcester spokesman said they are “tailoring services to customer demand”.
Rob Hughes, Operations Director at First Worcester, said, “The services we are currently operating are consistent and in line with the Worcestershire County Councils’ recovery plans.
“The demand for bus services is gradually increasing as retail, workplaces and recreational facilities open up and guidelines on Covid loosen up.
“Changes in people’s travel patterns are monitored and we adapt services to customer demand on our network. This activity will continue as the city and surrounding areas come out of pandemic restrictions.”