Stockton South MP, Matt Vickers has called out bus operator Arriva and has suggested they are leaving vulnerable people cut off from the world in efforts to maximise their profits.
Matt raised the issue with the Transport secretary Mark Harper calling on him to help prevent arriva putting profit before people and to see what can be done to protect services in Stockton South.
Despite millions in extra funding being offered by the central government to protect and support local services, operators Arriva are going ahead with cuts to local services.
The 17 service, which was focused on by the MP, connects Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick and Stockton Town Centre and is due to be completely axed from Sunday 9 July.
This has caused concern amongst residents, as it will leave vulnerable people cut off from shops and health care, alongside school children unable to reach school.
Arriva is rejecting an agreement with the Tees Valley Combined Authority and local councils which has been accepted by other operators including Stagecoach and Go North East with minimal route reductions.
Arriva’s cuts will all come into force from Sunday 9 July, this was announced before Arriva had complained to the Department for Transport about their settlement.
Commenting on Arriva’s plans to scrap routes, Matt Vickers MP said:
“The Government has been very generous with commitments to protect our local bus services. Deals made throughout the pandemic kept these operators afloat, and recently the Department for Transport also announced an extension to the £2 bus fare cap, alongside further funding of £1,529,447 to support and improve bus services for passengers.
“The impact from Arriva’s proposed cuts and alterations will be huge, with commuters unable to access their jobs, healthcare, and education. Arriva’s decision to put profits before people is unfair, and leaves residents facing the consequences of a completely commercial decision.
“I have begun a petition for any of my constituents who will be affected by these changes, which you can find on my website. I am hopeful that the number of signatures will highlight how the community is being punished by Arriva’s decision.”
Sign Matt’s petition, and take action to stop Arriva cutting routes, here: https://www.mattvickers.co.uk/campaigns/petition-save-number-17-bus-service
